Abstract:
This paper presents the final stages of an historical investigation. The central premise of the study is to explore the mutual formation of public values and perceptions through educative programs in the case study from 1941-43. Attitudes were considerably altered when cultural and aesthetic material was utilized to transmit US ideology and influence the direction of Australian cultural norms.
More specifically, this study has examined the impact of the Carnegie Corporation’s philanthropic cultural and educational activities at home and abroad during the 1940s. The main archival case study is the “Art of Australia Exhibition 1788-1941”, whose pivotal role in promoting cultural propaganda for political/military purposes, has been investigated through a definitional matrix based on the work of Tony Bennett.
The focus of this paper will shift from the matrix’s major propositional cells that I introduced in previous AARE papers to a comprehensive examination (using techniques derived from cladistic analysis) of the interrelated terms that define the matrix’s parameters: self-improvement, power, culture, contact zones, objects of colonization and systems of visualization.
Such an investigation illuminates and reveals many instances confirming the existence of alternate agendas and power/knowledge relationships that existed between governments, corporations and cultural events such as exhibitions. This disclosure is significant in uncovering the instrumental application of cultural and educational events and highlights the museum as a significant arena for establishing and legitimating social norms and practices.
More specifically, this study has examined the impact of the Carnegie Corporation’s philanthropic cultural and educational activities at home and abroad during the 1940s. The main archival case study is the “Art of Australia Exhibition 1788-1941”, whose pivotal role in promoting cultural propaganda for political/military purposes, has been investigated through a definitional matrix based on the work of Tony Bennett.
The focus of this paper will shift from the matrix’s major propositional cells that I introduced in previous AARE papers to a comprehensive examination (using techniques derived from cladistic analysis) of the interrelated terms that define the matrix’s parameters: self-improvement, power, culture, contact zones, objects of colonization and systems of visualization.
Such an investigation illuminates and reveals many instances confirming the existence of alternate agendas and power/knowledge relationships that existed between governments, corporations and cultural events such as exhibitions. This disclosure is significant in uncovering the instrumental application of cultural and educational events and highlights the museum as a significant arena for establishing and legitimating social norms and practices.