European inventory of
societal values of culture

Stevenson, Balling & Kann-Rasmussen - Cultural participation in Europe

Stevenson, D., Balling, G., & Kann-Rasmussen, N. (2017). Cultural participation in Europe: shared problem or shared problematisation? International Journal of Cultural Policy, 23(1), 89–106.

This paper analyses various attempts to explain why ever fewer Europeans are ‘engaging in cultural activities’, and how to deal with this problem in cultural policy. Unlike many papers devoted to exploring ways in which to increase cultural participation, the authors of this one examine the framing of the situation, which they argue invents the problem itself. In their words, ‘the “problem” of “non-participation” legitimates a “solution” that predates its emergence: the state subsidy of arts organisations.’ Engaging in discourse analysis, the authors map three distinct but interwoven discursive strategies used across Europe to maintain such an understanding of the problem. In a broader view, the article questions the hegemony of cultural participation in institutionalised cultural activities as a cultural policy aim and norm. It opens possible understandings of cultural life that go beyond the usual, dominant practices.