Institute for International Relations

Networks: The Evolving Aspects of Culture in the 21st Century / edited by Biserka Cvjetičanin. - Zagreb: IMO, 2011. - 282 pp., ISBN 978-953-6096-57-2(Culturelink Joint Publications Series; no. 15)
The book is available for download.

The book Networks: The Evolving Aspects of Culture in the 21st Century presents the proceedings of the Third World Culturelink Conference (Zagreb, 2009). Thirty researchers, from all continents, focus on the topic of networking perspectives and the evolving aspects of culture in the 21st century. They investigate the role and relevance that cultural networks have in cultural development and intercultural dialogue and exchange, leading to a better understanding of different cultures. Special consideration is given to the position of cultural networks within cultural policy structures, and to the effective usage of innovative information and communication technologies.
The importance of the redefinition of cultural policies in the light of the convergence of culture and the digital environment, and the overall global interconnectedness of economic, political and social changes is pointed out by many authors in the book. In such a context, changes in the relationships between networks and cultural policies are imminent and logical. Topics such as cultural ecology, an anticipatory approach to cultural policy as one of the imperatives for the effectiveness of cultural networks, third world networks and cultural policy, the relationship between networks of secteurs émergents and cultural policies, are analysed.
The usage of innovative ICTs and networking applications that significantly develop the modes and scope of activities of cultural networks are examined. A range of different topics is presented, from theoretical questions concerning deterritorialization and hyper-territory, to digital networks, the possibilities of using Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, artistic innovations and virtual museums. Art institutions are faced with changes because new creators require increasingly specific skills and knowledge. The role of the author in the arts is changing and artistic goals are becoming more plural and interdisciplinary. Net art gives rise to the emergence of works which change the relationship between art and society. A result of co-elaboration among artists, information experts and internauts, the creation of net art links artistic work, technological expertise and the increasingly inventive experience of amateur groups in an innovative way.
The role of networks in artists’ mobility is emphasized by some authors. Networks have been gradually substituting traditional diasporas in supporting the mobility of artists and other cultural actors. They link like-minded organizations and individuals over large distances into an interactive and cooperative association, facilitating participative and transformational art, as well as the exchange, promotion and distribution of cultural production.
Case studies from all regions provide comparative examples and experiences from across the world. Although they are each different, these case studies highlight the need to revisit the concepts surrounding the establishment and development of cultural networks, as well as their current status, key actors, dominant approaches and challenges. The evolving networking culture is stressed in the book. This part analyses networking culture within its current context and perspectives, and raises some fundamental questions about the future of networking and the possible futures of cultural networks. Is this the time for a new cultural deal? Are we approaching a post-network situation? Is networked cultural entrepreneurship out of date, or does it offer new perspectives? Are we moving from networking of cultures to networked cultures as a significant response to new challenges?
All these questions regarding the re-evaluation of networks, the post-network situation and networked identities, which are raised in the book, are crucial for the cultural development in the 21st century on the global, regional and national level.
Through the worldwide Culturelink Network, which is headquartered at the Institute for International Relations in Zagreb, the book will be widely distributed on all continents.