Social Cohesion

11 articles

A community event in Richmond Valley showing both connection and isolation among attendees, highlighting social divisions.
Trends

Community events: Uniting some, dividing others in surprising ways

In smaller communities within the Richmond Valley, local events, intended to unite residents, have instead caused noticeable divisions.

Eleanor Voss·July 1, 2026
Diverse community members actively painting a colorful mural on a brick wall, fostering creativity and cultural identity in an urban setting.
Art

Community art: Fostering creativity and cultural identity

In Philadelphia, the Mural Arts Project transformed public spaces, not just with paint, but by involving residents in collaborative artistic efforts that directly addressed local issues and deepened c

Matteo Ricci·June 26, 2026
Diverse group of Australians united in cheering for their national team during a World Cup match, symbolizing multiculturalism and national pride.
Culture

Multiculturalism Isn't a Threat to National Identity. It's the Future.

As Australia played Türkiye in the World Cup, I recall my friend, a humanitarian migrant, frantically speeding home just to catch the match, a palpable excitement in his voice.

Andre Silva·June 22, 2026
Diverse community members celebrating at a lively local cultural event, showcasing unity, cultural pride, and the importance of these gatherings for social connection.
Culture

Local cultural events preserve identity, but challenges loom.

In communities where local cultural events thrive, residents consistently report significantly higher levels of belonging and mutual support, transforming public spaces into vibrant hubs of...

Eleanor Voss·May 10, 2026
Diverse group of people celebrating a cultural festival in a town square, with music, dance, and food, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Culture

US community cultural celebrations foster stronger local bonds

In Topeka, a Cinco de Mayo celebration recently transformed Evergy Plaza into a vibrant hub of music and dance, echoing a nationwide trend of communities reconnecting through shared cultural experienc

Eleanor Voss·May 3, 2026
Diverse group of people enjoying a lively outdoor local festival, dancing and connecting, showcasing community spirit over digital isolation.
Culture

Why Communities Are Choosing Local Events Over Digital Escapes

At Arizona State University, the Latin Sol Dance Festival celebrated its tenth event in April 2026, a remarkable milestone for an initiative that began with a single clinical assistant professor.

Eleanor Voss·April 22, 2026
Diverse community members celebrating together at a vibrant cultural festival, showcasing unity and social cohesion.
Culture

Local communities use cultural festivals to build social cohesion

In Delaware, the inaugural “Delaware Together Day” celebration, held from April 17–19, transcended mere festivity.

Eleanor Voss·April 17, 2026
Diverse community members engaged in art activities within a sunlit, vibrant community center, fostering creativity and connection.
Culture

Community initiatives are building social cohesion and identity, but need more funding.

In Sonoma County, a record 59 organizations applied for local arts funding this year, vying for grants totaling $180,000, according to Sonoma Index-Tribune.

Eleanor Voss·April 16, 2026
A diverse crowd enjoys a vibrant community cultural festival at dusk, with food stalls, live music, and artisan crafts under festive string lights, showcasing local economic activity.
Culture

Beyond the Celebration: How Community-Led Cultural Festivals Reshape Local Economies

The impact of community-led cultural festivals often feels ephemeral, but a deeper current is at work. There is a growing understanding that these hyperlocal events are not just about celebrating heritage; they are increasingly recognized as powerful engines for local economies and social cohesion.

Yasmin El-Sayed·April 5, 2026
A diverse community, young and old, engaged in shared activities, with subtle golden lines connecting them, symbolizing cultural resilience and collective healing.
Wellness

What Is Cultural Resilience and How Does It Foster Societal Well-being?

I once watched a documentary about Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold. What if the fractures our communities endure are not just points of weakness, but opportunities to mend ourselves with the gold of our shared heritage, creating something stronger?

Yasmin El-Sayed·April 4, 2026
A diverse group of people, young and old, celebrating a cultural festival, showcasing traditional elements and modern interaction, symbolizing heritage preservation and community bonding.
Culture

The Role of Cultural Societies in Preserving Heritage and Fostering Community

Cultural societies are the essential connective tissue between our past, present, and future, actively preserving heritage and building community. Discover how these institutions safeguard identity and foster social cohesion in an increasingly globalized world.

Eleanor Voss·April 1, 2026