"Behind the storm of daily conflict and crisis, the dramatic confrontations, the tumult of political struggle, the poet, the artist, the musician, continues the quiet work of centuries, building bridges of experience between peoples, reminding man of the universality of his feelings and desires and despairs, and reminding him that the forces that unite are deeper than those that divide." -- President John F. Kennedy (1962)
The Culture and Civil Society Initiative project aims to identify ways to harness the transformative power of culture and arts to combat political polarization and rejuvenate democratic societies.
The project is led by Professor Anthony Foxx, the Emma Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership, co-director for the Center for Public Leadership, and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Exploring the power of culture to strengthen our democratic institutions and establish a stronger foundation for the important discourse required for a high-functioning civil society. This project focuses on the forces that bring together people and seeks to understand how to bridge growing divisions in the United States and beyond.
The project also seeks to bring cultural leaders to the Harvard community to share how their contributions are intended to create connections, to cross boundaries and to formulate understanding. With faculty affiliates of this initiative, we further intend to develop research deepening our understanding of the link between culture and civility, democratic dialogue and healing political divisions.
Professor Foxx has served in a variety of positions, including as U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Barack Obama, and as former Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. His interests at the Harvard Kennedy School include the exploration of culture, sports, and teaching on Transportation Policy.
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Download the Culture and Civil Society Initiative one pager.
The impetus behind this project
American democracy is confronting an existential crisis from within, often categorized as a political challenge that necessitates resolute and forward-thinking public policy leadership.
While necessary, it is plausible that the root cause lies much deeper, stemming from both longstanding and emerging divisions that are increasing political discord and distrust of democratic institutions. These divisions also conceal the many things we have in common.
The intention of the Culture and Civil Society Initiative is not to wish away our challenges; rather, it is intended to harness cultural forces to renew our sense of unity and purpose that underlies a democracy.
We believe there is a need and desire within Harvard and its surrounding community for a Initiative dedicated to renewal of culture and political discourse.
Our mission
The Culture and Civil Society Initiative exists to bring together the Harvard community and cultural leaders together through interdisciplinary research, teaching, programming, policy briefings and case studies to demonstrate the power of culture to strengthen civil societies.
Faculty Director
