N E W S    R E L E A S E


Contact:
Janni Chowdhuri
janni@houstonculture.org

Mark Lacy
(713) 521-3686
mark@houstonculture.org

www.houstonculture.org/media

March 30, 2004



Houston Institute for Culture Will Present a Workshop on
"The Case for Localism" at Globalization Conference April 24


"The Case for Localism in Media, Business, Culture and Economy" will explore the role of local cultures in the economics of neighborhoods, small towns and cities. The workshop is part of "Winners and Losers: The Impact of Globalization," an important conference taking place on Saturday, April 24, 2004

The workshop presents a historical and cultural perspective on globalization to help participants understand how the base of local ownership impacts independence and self-determination in the community. During this session, which will be offered twice, participants will consider the positive impact of support for local business: support for neighborhoods and the city; better quality of life for families; wider base of ownership; diversity of interests and cultures; and, as counter balance to the worldwide spread of limited ownership and homogenization of cultures/narrowing of interests.

We will consider how the process of globalization affects local residents, from service industry employees earning minimum wage to the rising wealth in corporate management, as we discuss solutions to the growing numbers of working poor and middle-income families with $20,000 credit card debts.

Through interaction, the session will distinguish between political and cultural models of globalization, and weigh the relationship of media to culture, as well as rethink measures of economy in ordinary terms.

The workshop facilitator, Mark Lacy, is the founder and director of the Houston Institute for Culture. Lacy is making the impact of globalizations on distinctive cultures a major prerogative of the organization, saying "the marginalization of unique cultures results from the same processes that enable globalization."

Lacy draws from broad experience as a journalist, artist, broadcaster and educator. He has researched regional and international music to produce radio shows about Texas' cultural legacy. He has promoted cultural literacy by giving presentations for university audiences, by producing social documentaries, and working as a writer for Visible Magazine.

With his educational travel company, Lost Dutchman Expediciones Fotograficas de las Barrancas y los Rios, Lacy has organized tours of indigenous lands in Mexico and crossroads of cultures in the U.S. In his research, Lacy has endured the hostile conditions once braved by Cabeza de Vaca on the Gulf of Mexico and followed the route of John Wesley Powell to understand the cultural history of the United States.

The workshop on Local Economies and Local Cultures, in which we will make the "Case for Localism in Media, Business, Culture and Economy," is part of, "Winners and Losers: The Impact of Globalization," presented by Houston Peace and Justice Center, with keynote speaker Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange.

Open to the public, this important conference will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2004, from 8:30am to 5:00pm, at First Unitarian Universalist Church (5200 Fannin St., Houston, Texas).

Registration is $20 (includes lunch), $10 for students and anyone who requests a reduced fee. Advanced registration is preferred. Call (713) 522-9850 for more information.


Houston Institute for Culture is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural education and awareness through cultural activities. Our goal is to provide free and low-cost events, services and classes for the community. The organization's sphere of interest is Houston, the regions that have affected Houston's cultural history and the international origins of Houston's diverse population.

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