Acting on Cultural Policy: Arts Practitioners, Policy-Making and Civil Society

This book explores the role of arts practitioners in cultural policy-making, challenging the perception that they have little or no involvement and arguing that their involvement matters. It examines a case-study of playwriting policy in England since 1945 and discusses why their involvement contributes to the maintenance and enlargement of democratic practices and values.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of arts practitioners' involvement in cultural policy-making, challenging the prevailing notion that their contributions are minimal or nonexistent. Through a detailed case study of playwriting policy in England since 1945, the book explores the depth and nature of practitioners' engagement in policy processes. It sheds light on the role of playwrights organizations and their history of self-directed activity, highlighting their active participation in shaping cultural policy. The book examines both "invited" and "uninvited" interventions by arts practitioners, showcasing how they intertwine policy activity and creative practice. It delves into the significance of their involvement, arguing that arts practitioners and their organizations can be viewed as active participants in civil society whose policy endeavors contribute to the preservation and expansion of democratic practices and values.

The book begins by examining the historical context of playwriting policy in England, tracing its evolution from the post-World War II era to the present day. It explores the various actors and institutions involved in policy-making, including government departments, arts organizations, and individual playwrights. By analyzing the interactions between these stakeholders, the book sheds light on the power dynamics and challenges that shape the policy landscape.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the various forms of arts practitioners' engagement in cultural policy-making. It discusses the ways in which practitioners participate in policy processes through advocacy, consultation, and direct intervention. It explores the strategies employed by arts practitioners to influence policy decisions, such as lobbying, public speaking, and the production of evidence-based research. The book also examines the challenges faced by arts practitioners in their engagement with policy-makers, including resistance, lack of resources, and the perceived marginalization of the arts in policy discourse.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a range of theoretical frameworks to analyze the role of arts practitioners in cultural policy-making. They employ concepts such as cultural policy studies, policy analysis, and cultural sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The book also incorporates insights from practitioners themselves, drawing on interviews and case studies to illustrate the practical implications of their engagement in policy processes.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of cultural policy studies. It challenges the notion that arts practitioners have limited or no involvement in policy-making and provides a rich account of their active participation in shaping cultural policy. By examining the case study of playwriting policy in England, the book offers insights into the ways in which arts practitioners can contribute to the maintenance and enlargement of democratic practices and values. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the role.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031111617
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022