Safeguarding Tradition: A Call for Accountability in Cultural Preservation

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain

The neglect of traditional arts and cultural organisations by the very institutions tasked with safeguarding cultural heritage is a troubling phenomenon. These organizations, which bear the critical responsibility of preserving and promoting traditional arts, are increasingly sidelined due to inadequate support in terms of funding, research, and performance opportunities. Such oversight endangers the continuity of cultural traditions and undermines the collective heritage of society.

The lack of adequate financial support significantly hampers the sustainability and growth of traditional arts organisations. Events showcasing traditional arts are not merely celebratory occasions but essential platforms for education, community engagement, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. Without sufficient funding, these events face cancellation, resulting in the gradual erosion of both cultural practices and the understanding of their significance.

Similarly, the absence of investment in research on traditional arts and products is a substantial gap. Research provides the necessary foundation for deepening our appreciation and contextual understanding of these traditions. Without such scholarly work, the richness and complexity of cultural heritage risk being reduced to superficial interpretations, further jeopardizing its survival.

Moreover, the scarcity of performance platforms exacerbates this marginalization. Traditional arts thrive when they are accessible to the public, allowing audiences to experience and engage with their cultural history. The lack of such opportunities not only stifles the growth of the arts but also deprives communities of their cultural identity and heritage. This silencing of traditional arts is a disservice to both practitioners and the broader public.

A particularly concerning issue is the perceived bias in the allocation of grants, with priority given to popular artists and events that attract larger audiences, often at the expense of traditional art forms. This short-sighted approach risks prioritizing commercial success over the preservation of cultural authenticity and depth. Traditional arts play a distinct role in sustaining cultural traditions and fostering intergenerational understanding, a role that cannot be equated to mainstream entertainment.

Furthermore, the grant application process, including the selection of grantees by evaluation panels, must be more transparent. A lack of clarity in these procedures often leads to perceptions of favoritism and inequity, further marginalizing traditional arts. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the grant allocation process would help restore trust and foster a more inclusive and equitable system of support.

Addressing these challenges requires a re-evaluation of institutional priorities and a renewed commitment to supporting traditional arts. Concrete measures must include increased funding, enhanced research initiatives, and the creation of more performance opportunities. Such actions are essential to ensure that traditional arts continue to thrive and enrich the cultural landscape.

Preserving and promoting cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. While traditional arts organizations are at the forefront of this effort, the role of supporting institutions is paramount. Their failure to act risks irreparable loss to cultural heritage, a legacy for which future generations may hold them accountable. An urgent and strategic response is required to safeguard these invaluable cultural treasures for posterity. -drrz