The paradoxical nature of elitism in a community arts festival

Abstract

Arts festivals have existed for centuries. Those that focused on the ‘high arts’ (opera, theatre, ballet, orchestral music) were the domain of the social elite. Until recently, however, the paradoxical nature of elitism in community arts festivals has been largely neglected by scholars. This longitudinal research sought to investigate the practices of a community arts festival in New Zealand that has been subject to deeply embedded perceptions of elitism, largely failing to recognise and cater to the needs of its community and often finding itself in financial trouble. Festival organisers adopt specific processes and practices which contribute to the success (or failure) of events. These processes and practices, whether transparent or tacit, also determine the unspoken rules of inclusion and exclusion. This in turn shapes how the event is represented and perceived. The research sought to answer the question, “How may the practices surrounding the organisation and representation of the Christchurch Arts Festival have contributed to persistent perceptions of elitism, and have these changed over time?” Archival material including organising committee documents and correspondence, along with media articles, was analysed to understand the festival’s history and its representation over time. The presentation will unpack the festival processes and practices and provide a nuanced understanding of their impact on the life cycle of this particular community event, demonstrating the paradox of elitism in this context.