The concept of leisure includes more and more components in accordance with process of the modern society dynamic changes. The functional aspects of leisure activity change as well and the multiplicative functions of leisure establishments become of a greater importance (the concept “multiplication” is interpreted as multiplication of effective functional characteristics of leisure). The purpose of given paper is the research of the total process of social efficiency of Saratov region national cultural centers. It is carried out on the example of the German Cultural Center, whose leisure activity is characterized by the combination of social-cultural, educating, formative and other functions. The concept “continuous education” as the major direction in the Russian social policy and its realization in the activity of leisure establishments in particular is of great topicality. This direction involves the development of new models of cultural values perception. Besides, it leads to the necessity of creation of the mechanism, which regulates cross-ethnic relations and presupposes the integration of two areas: education and culture. It is of the vital importance for the Saratov region, which is the residence for more than 120 nationalities. The paper is based on the case study, dedicated to the research of the multiplicative character of German Cultural Center`s functions.

Access to document: B19_Piskunova_Inna.pdf

Homo Ludens Australis: The contribution of Aboriginal culture to Australian leisure
Francis Lobo, Edith Cowan University (Willetton, Australia)

This paper traces the development of Australian Aboriginal culture from prehistoric to contemporary times. The generation of culture through leisure and play has affirmed the Aboriginal people with the title of Homo Ludens Australis after Huizinga (1970). The paper shows how Homo Faber, man the worker is superordinate to Homo Ludens, man the player. However, play and leisure are seen to be primary elements in the generation of culture. The paper describes traditional Aboriginal lifestyles in hunter-gathering society. Answers to generations of Aboriginal people during their 40,000 years of existence are found in the form of Dreamtime Stories. Music is the life blood that connects them with Dreaming. Songs and dances have encoded their history and connectedness to the land. The unique art forms provide the longest unbroken history known to humanity. Contemporary Aboriginal people are descendants of people whose genius and resilience maintained a culture for many thousands of years through cataclysmic changes. They have survived two centuries of dispossession and abuse. Despite the deprivations, the indigenous
Australians continue to showcase the nation through art, music, writings, song, dance and sport. Huizinga, J. (1970). Homo Ludens. Great Britain: Paladin.

Access to document: B19_Lobo.pdf

Dive In: Building Neighborhood Pride and the Economy
Douglass Whiteaker, Water Technology Inc. (Beaver Dam, USA)

How an aquatic center can weave the threads of a community to improve the quality of life and provide recreation for “children of all ages” and abilities. This session will focus on how a city or town can make an aquatic center a viable option in today’s turbulent economy and serve a multi generation of constituents, with a focus on building neighborhood pride, family, togetherness, and the wellness of its residents. A community pool serves the entire public including active seniors, aging baby-boomers, parents, teenagers, young children, toddlers, and infants. There is recreational value that meets the needs of each demographic in your community. The economy is a hot topic this election year and will continue to be a national concern. Recreation is often eliminated from the strained family budget. Discover ways to keep aquatic facility attendance flowing in a weak economy and bring families together.

Access to document: B19_Whiteaker.pdf