Cultural policy: approaches to the definition

Abstract

The article outlines the key approaches to the definition of cultural policy. Based on the analysis of contemporary scientific researches in it reveals the essence of the concept as an object of interdisciplinary studies. The research interests of the majority of scientists only touch one or couple of the approaches to the definition. The authors examine the cultural policy of the object position of their study: cultural studies, political science, public administration, providing expert advice to a particular region etc. Being on the edge of studying the social, political, legal, economic and cultural sciences, the research proposes the concept of cultural policy, which includes each of these theoretical components. The aim of the article is an overview of the main approaches towards defining the essence of the concept of "cultural policy". At the beginning the article states that in consequence certain understanding of the essence, purpose and components of cultural policy affects on its formation and implementation at the state level. Implementation of some model of cultural policy has wide influence from the position of the state in the world to the general welfare of its citizens. Besides that, cultural policy, that policy in the sphere of culture, which defines the purposes of cultural development, basic principles, methods and regulations of cultural processes, plays an important role in modern society. Nowadays necessity in studying of cultural policy as an independent branch of theoretical knowledge is actualized by the need in finding some new effective practical solutions. Cultural and political researches in order to solve real problems by scientists of different disciplines contribute to the understanding of the differences of concepts and categorical apparatus. Interpretation of cultural policy is formed under the influence of many factors. Among them are historical background, political regime, international agreements, economic conditions, technological progress and understanding of culture and its key elements and priorities. After that the article passes to contemporary theoretical and practical studies, which operate numerous approaches concerning definition of the essence of cultural policy. Within each of them assumed a different interpretation of the meaning, structure, objectives, implementation and the role of cultural policy in modern society. Although the first definition of the "cultural policy" dated mid-twentieth century, however, the phenomenon appeared in earlier historical periods. Cultural policy as a process and phenomenon arose much earlier than cultural policy as a concept. Management of culture emerged simultaneously with the emergence of culture as a real process. The obvious is the gradual formation of a historically conditioned phenomenon of cultural policy, and the fact that cultural policy has always had a concrete historical character: it is caused by national culture, historical type and political state, level of society development, its geopolitical orientation and other factors. Cultural policy is a dynamic phenomenon, which is constantly changing. It depends on the priorities of the subjects and also complex of historical, political, economic, legal, social, technological and even informational factors. Besides that, it builds up on the basis of previous experience of the region, considering the current state of socio-cultural sphere, which also causes ambiguity in the understanding of the term. Due to the diversity of approaches to the definition of the phenomenon of cultural policy, the article applies to etymology of its components – the categories of "politics" and "culture". Complexity of the phenomena of "culture" and "policy" is projected on the comprehension of the cultural policy. Therefore, there is a clear correlation between the definition and practice of culture and policy and also their derivative category of cultural policy. Cultural policy is much broader category that can serve as a correct redistribution and usage of nation cultural resources for resolving economic, social and political problems. Among the key issues of contemporary cultural policy offers review of the official definition of culture and those components that it should include, and with it the scope of authority and strategic aim of structures that formally responsible for culture. Depending on the priority of some aspects, researchers prefer certain definition. In the conclusion of the article author chooses most optimum integrated interpretation of cultural policy. The matter concerns a broader meaning, certain course of action, carefully developed approach and strategy in the field of culture. However, cultural policy remains one of the vaguely defined concepts. It is predetermined its multivalency and the presence of different research approaches. All these together causes significant difficulty in defining the term and needs to be further research.