Conclusion

Abstract

The final conclusion summarizes the findings of the individual chapters. This chapter addresses the importance of small-scale civil society and grassroots organizations that use cultural production and artistic platforms to open communities to newcomers and foster pluralism. The conclusion discusses the impact of such initiatives within the context of two visible trends in society: increasing polarization around culture and identity and a growing pluralization along ethnic, religious and cultural forms of belonging. The conclusion argues that these organizations provide a powerful rebuke to right-wing populist movements in their desire to present an alternative vision of living together. Finally, the conclusion notes that despite the fact that many of these initiatives are local and small in size, their presence in countless small communities across every country in Europe, and the combined impact of their actions, is a powerful testimony to the fact that the desire to open up communities to newcomers, and to find ways of living together that are non-hierarchical, transformative and participatory, is strong.