The State and the Art
We do not know what exactly happens to cultural organizations when governments increasingly push for tangible outcomes, such as participation, value, or impact, become increasingly important. This study will focus on the relationship between government and museums: the public governance of museums.
Influencing the arts serves numerous political agendas. Cultural events could foster economic and social development, and contribute to a ‘big society’. Granting subsidies can even yield political credit and accompanying votes. The new public management discourse of cultural planning and accountability for impact is increasingly visible in the arts. And despite privatizations of museums and theaters, political board appointments in cultural organizations remain or even increase. In other words, governments are able to influence the arts.
The main issue that this study will investigate is the current shape and developments in public governance of museums.
More information will follow soon.