“新工人艺术团”文化实践的力量与困境

On the Power and Dilemma of “New Workers' Art Troupe” Cultural Practice

在消费主义和文化工业的潮流中,以孙恒为代表的几位青年工人在北京自发组织了"新工人艺术团"。该组织除为工人创作、演出外,还创建了打工文化艺术博物馆、新工人剧场、打工子弟学校等为工人服务的文化机构。这些文化实践有助于唤起新工人的情感共鸣、身份认同,体现了对现实和资本一定程度的批判,为工人文化的发展提供了有益探索。然而,作为异质声音的"新工人艺术团"在多重权力话语的夹缝中生存艰难,且要屈从商业挑战,时常面临被收编的危险,致使工人文化陷入困境。

In the context of consumerism and culture industry, several young workers, Sun Heng as the representative, spontaneously organized the band “New Workers, Art Troupe” and sang for workers. They have composed a large number of songs expressing laborers’ aspirations. What’s more, “New Workers’ Art Troupe” set up workers’ theatre, workers’ museum, school for migrant workers’ children and other organizations to serve the workers. These cultural practices have contributed to the emotional resonance and identity for workers, as well as embody criticism on the reality and capital, which provide beneficial reference for workers’ cultural development. However, as alien voice “ New Workers’ Art Troupe” sometimes bends to commerce, makes concession to mainstream discourse,and confronts with being incorporated, which makes workers’ culture be in a dilemma.