Heiskanen - Decentralisation
Heiskanen, I. (2001) Decentralisation: trends in European cultural policies (Cultural policy Note 9). Strasbourg, Cedex : Council of Europe Publishing. ISBN 978-92-871-4795-0
Decentralisation: trends in European cultural policies is a booklet issued by the Cultural Policies Research and Development Unit of the Council of Europe, which clearly explains concepts, forms, strategies, trends and contexts of decentralisation. The diverse nature and scope of the debate about decentralisation makes clear that there can hardly be a universal model for the ideal degree of cultural decentralisation. National and international concerns vary depending upon dominant ideologies and upon the strength of different sectoral and group interests. Striking the 'right balance' between centralism and decentralisation is not an end in itself. Instead, of prime importance are the consequences of any decentralist policy: namely their costs and benefits for cultural production, distribution, decision-making and for their citizens.
Taking into account the complexities of the decentralisation issue, this Policy Note provides an overview of its principles, processes and structures, and therefore offers both the general and more knowledgeable reader a brief and useful introduction to one of the key questions of European cultural policy. Thus, it examines various country profiles labelling them accordingly. Nordic countries are examples of 'accumulative decentralisation', France, an example of 'seesaw decentralisation', United Kingdom, is known as 'centrally guided decentralisation', Germany, 'pret-a-porter decentralisation' and decentralisation in new democracies. The last seems to be particularly interesting since the new democracies of central and eastern Europe faced the issue of cultural policy decentralisation at a rather early stage of their reform process. This transition has not been easy and a need for information and training in this field is greatly needed from 'western neighbours' and international organisations such as the Council of Europe.
The issue of cultural decentralisation in new democracies emerged in the context of three problems:
- Organising the role of artists' associations in respect to their autonomy, social and economic functions and channels to influence cultural policy decision-making;
- Solving the problems of the 'ownership' of cultural and art institutions (both in terms of legal status and the ownership of premises);
- Negotiating, legislating and institutionalising the division of responsibilities for financing the arts and culture between different levels of government.
In conclusion, the author sums up the current state of decentralisation in European cultural policy with trends and consequences as well as with new conditions, new controls and new balances. Concerning trends, the central role of local/municipal decision-making and administration seems to be generally accepted and well established. The idea of regional autonomy seems to be gaining ground. Horizontal decentralisation exhibits some difficult dilemmas. The geographical concentration of the arts and culture in capitals and other metropolitan centers continues in all regions of Europe.
The future of decentralisation depends in the final analysis on one basic factor: the opening of bottom-up channels of communication and influence from the grassroots and sub-local levels. These lines must run unobstructed to autonomous local and regional decision-making groups - be they located in national capitals, urban conglomerates, or in Brussels itself.
Ilkka Heiskanen “Decentralisation: trends in European cultural policies”