engleski

Internet and Cultural Diversity – Reality or Myth: from the SEE Perspective

In the absence of a national strategy regarding digitalization of culture in Croatia cultural institutions (heritage sector) has not been taking the lead in virtual sphere, rather the main promoters of cultural diversity issues come from the civil society. I will give example of how cultural civil society scene in Croatia use internet to consolidate itself and gain better visibility (as they are rather neglected by mainstream media and also financially and otherwise disadvantaged), and as they are the ones that mostly organize actions that promote cultural diversity issues. I will mention the role of existing cultural portals and also how the festivals organized by the civil sector (through which the alternative culture reaches the public and through which diversity of expressions is promoted) took advantage of internet possibilities. Emphasis will be on the fact that virtual domain is instrumental for preserving and promoting cultural diversity in the real world and it should not be viewed separately. The perspective is from less developed Croatian context that faces language barriers, financial constraints and lack of related policy.

Internet; cultural diversity; SEE

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