Cultural Policy & Participation
This class will examine public and private policies and structures that impact cultural production and participation. This includes a consideration of rationales for and against public support for culture, how policies have both promoted and impeded cultural producers and consumers, advocacy efforts, and relations between governmental policy and private initiative. Our discussion of governmental policies will be complemented by a consideration of research on factors promoting engagement in the arts, arts engagement and other forms of civic engagement, and efforts by cultural organizations to attract audiences. Attention will also be given to the implications of new technologies and legal regulations for cultural policy and participation, and cultural policy and international relations. Students will translate broad course themes into more practical applications through exercises and assignments asking them to analyze specific policies and audience engagement strategies.