The creative wealth of nations: can the arts advance development?

By S. R. Osmani • Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Vol. 23, 2022 - Issue 3 • 16 June 2022 – Does culture matter for economic development? In view of the pervasive influence of culture in our personal and social lives, it would be surprising if it did not. The relevant question, therefore, is not whether culture matters but how it does so. The latter question was addressed by Amartya Sen in his insightful essay “How Does Culture Matter” (in Culture and Public Action edited by Vijayendra Rao and Michael Walton), where he investigated a number of causal connections between culture and development. Other scholars and institutions (including the World Bank and UNESCO in recent years) have also contributed to this discussion. In this fascinating book, Patrick Kabanda carries forward this line of investigation, focussing specifically on the role of performing arts in advancing the cause of what he calls ‘meaningful’ development. Read More »