Project Description
Although UNESCO has a stated aim to incorporate culture into all development policies, culturally integrated approaches to realising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are arguably yet to gain widespread traction. Focusing on cultural practices relating to music and sound, this project explores the role of culture in advancing the SDGs in the Asia-Pacific. It does so through three case studies: Revitalizing Traditional Marapu Cultural Assets in Indonesia, River Listening in Australia, and Women’s Water Music (Ëtëtung) in Vanuatu.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The project brings together researchers and artists from Australia, Indonesia, and Vanuatu to explore the role of sound and music in advancing the SDGs. We hope this project inspires deeper integration of music and sound into policy efforts to achieve the SDGs in the Asia-Pacific. This project therefore holds relevance for musicians and other artists, culture-bearers and communities, arts/cultural NGOs and other civil society actors, and policy-makers.
Outcomes to Date
The findings of our project are synthesised in the following article:
Grant, C., Bartleet, B. L., Barclay, L., Lamont, J., & Sur, S. (2022). Integrating music and sound into efforts to advance the sustainable development goals in the Asia-Pacific: case studies from Indonesia, Vanuatu and Australia. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 28(4), 499-512. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2021.1971206
We have also reported on our research in public-facing media, and continue to share our work in public fora and ways that may inform policy. Our applied research engagement with the respective case study communities is ongoing, and supports their efforts to advance the SDGs locally.
Project Significance
Each of the three case studies of this project intersects with, and advances, SDG efforts. Revitalizing Traditional Marapu Cultural Assets in Indonesia relates to health and wellbeing (SDG3), equality (SDG10) and community sustainability (SDG11). River Listening (Australia) advances life below water (SDG 14), climate action (SDG13) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). Women’s Water Music (Ëtëtung) in Vanuatu advances climate justice (SDG13), gender equality (SDG5), culturally appropriate education (SDG4), and economic prospects (SDG8), as well as increasing community resilience (SDG3). As a whole, the project advances Partnerships for the SDGs (SDG17).