What do music, film, and art have to do with democracy? May, an artist born in Myanmar, and Freddy Lim, a Taiwanese musician and diplomat, believe that art is what helps people understand one another, even in places where freedom of speech is restricted and society is divided.
The "World in the Village" festival has just come to a close, and the festival’s performers—Myanmar-born artist May and Taiwanese musician-diplomat Freddy Lim—discuss what art can do when democracy fails.
According to May, art in Myanmar is not just culture or entertainment. It is a way to learn, understand, and survive.
“In Myanmar, education is limited. Not everyone receives a comprehensive education, and many have significant gaps in their knowledge. That’s why people have learned to use art to convey information and to learn, she says.
Freddy Lim, who is sitting next to her, nods.
Lim, best known as the lead singer of the metal band CHTONIC, currently serves as a diplomat at the Taiwanese embassy in Finland. Yet he still considers himself, above all, an artist.
“Art can break down polarization and broaden the conversation in a gentle way.” “An artist doesn’t force anyone to think a certain way, but helps people understand one another,” Lim says.
Art speaks of what politics remains silent about
Taiwan is considered one of Asia’s most functional democracies. Lim believes that art has also played a role in the country’s democratic development.
“Artists speak of things that would otherwise be silenced. They help people see and feel things that mere news headlines cannot convey.
The same is true in Myanmar, where art has long held special significance as a tool for social discourse. When freedom of speech is restricted, culture becomes a way to circumvent fear and censorship.
According to May, art reaches people precisely because it does not require a deep political understanding.
“It’s not about having to study international politics for hours on end. People often find a reason to care through emotion.”
Democracy begins with encounters
Many Finns would like to support democracy and human rights elsewhere in the world, but find the topic distant or complicated. Lim believes that getting involved can start on a much smaller scale than is often thought.
“Do you have time for good music, a video, or art? As you enjoy it, you’ll find yourself connecting with the people behind these works.”
Both May and Lim encourage people to attend events, get to know organizations, and seek out situations where they can encounter new perspectives.
“If you spend a moment with us, you can begin to better understand what’s happening in our community.” Organizations like Vikes build bridges between people, May says.
She emphasizes that the goal is not to blame anyone or require mastery of complex political vocabulary.
– We want to organize more festivals, create more art, and bring people together.
Lim adds with a smile:
– And at the same time, it sparks more inspiration to create new art.
