The International Network for Cultural Diversity (INCD) is a world wide network of artists and cultural groups dedicated to countering the homogenizing effects of globalization on culture.

The INCD represents individual artists and cultural activists, cultural organizations and creative industries. We come from all continents, sectors and disciplines of the cultural community, ranging from new media artists to traditional artisans. Organizations from more than fifty countries belong to the network.

We are a democratic membership organization with an active Steering Committee. The Network is guided by our Statement of Principles and member decisions.

We believe:

Governments must not enter into any agreements that constrain local cultures and the policies that support them

A new international agreement should be created, which can provide a permanent legal foundation for cultural diversity

Why should artists care about globalization?

In many parts of the world, the voices of local artists are being drowned out by imported entertainment. Multinational entertainment industries, ever larger and more concentrated, spread a homogenized global culture. Trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) worsen the situation by limiting the ability of nations to support their own artists and cultural institutions. Likewise international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) limit funding for cultural and other programs as a condition of much-needed loans.

Artists and audiences around the world envision a different kind of globalization: one which encourages cultural production within nations, and authentic exchange among them; one which encourages the dynamic coexistence of a diversity of cultures. As pressure grows to include more cultural sectors in bilateral, regional, and global trade agreements, cultural groups around the world are uniting to make a counter-proposal: the creation of a new international instrument for cultural diversity.

What we do:

• Organize a yearly conference on issues of cultural diversity
• Intervene at meetings related to cultural diversity and globalization
• Ensure that the voice of the cultural community is heard at trade negotiations
• Keep members updated and facilitate communication among member groups
• Collaborate with other civil society movements