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UNESCO supports the Lautem Cultural Alliance for more community-driven development in Timor-Leste
The alliance was geared by Many Hands International, which has implemented a thorough programme of stakeholder engagement, trainings and mentorships, community consultations and research. All this effort empowered the alliance’s 35 initial members to draft and approve a sustainable cultural development plan.
This project leaves the Lautem community with a concrete framework for boosting its economic and social development through the creative sector as well as with a strong advocate — the alliance and its newly-trained members — for pursuing these initiatives.
The Alliance’s 3 Key Objectives
Work together as a community to create new opportunities to participate in cultural and creative activities that celebrate cultural knowledge, provide recreation for families and inspire creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Work as a community to find ways to access and grow our education and resources to build a thriving cultural tourism sector.
Create opportunities for our community to learn about their cultural heritage and work with elders to transfer and preserve cultural knowledge.
These values also informed the articulation of a single, shared vision statement to guide the alliance as it seeks to further develop Lautem’s creative sector and collaborate with all levels of government in Timor-Leste:
The Lautem community is a modern, civilised society who promotes peace, harmony, inclusion and wellbeing. We are a community committed to protecting, promoting and celebrating our culture, and creating opportunities for our community to innovate and build a vibrant art and culture sector across Lautem.
Looking Forward
The alliance has reached a notable milestone: hosting its official launch and presenting its new cultural plan. This even was a great success, fostering significant attendance, including from the National Secretariat for Arts and Culture. This allowed the alliance to engage potential future partners, setting the stage for long-term partnerships and further aligning local government priorities and community-driven cultural initiatives.
Going beyond Lautem, this project “has set a precedent for similar initiatives, showcasing the importance of cultural alliances in promoting and protecting creative industries,” as reported by MHI. “The advocacy efforts have raised awareness of the economic and social potential of the arts, with the government and other organisations expressing interest in supporting cultural activities.”
