Participatory Governance and Cultural Development: An Empirical Analysis of European Capitals of Culture

This book explores the impact of participatory governance on cultural development, focusing on four projects in Marseille-Provence and Košice. It argues that participation produces cultural developmental processes only when there is a certain intensity of trust among stakeholders, activating a reinforcing chain of capacity-building and social capital.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 255 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of participatory governance on cultural development, shedding light on why cultural participatory practices can yield both positive and unexpected outcomes. It specifically focuses on four projects implemented in the European Capitals of Culture of 2013, namely Marseille-Provence (France) and Košice (Slovakia), as part of the Programme 'Quartiers Créatifs and the SPOTs Programme'. By integrating diverse strands of democratic theory and employing a process tracing methodology, the book makes a compelling argument that participation alone can lead to cultural developmental processes, contingent upon the attainment of a critical level of trust among the various stakeholders involved.

In the presence of a fully-fledged trust, participation triggers a reinforcing chain of capacity-building and social capital, fostering the growth of long-term cultural networks. Conversely, in the absence of complete trust, participation can give rise to contestation movements or isolated cultural production. What sets this book apart is its unique challenge to the prevailing "optimistic aura" surrounding participatory governance in culture. It adeptly exposes the conflicting yet always productive nature of this approach, highlighting its ability to navigate complex dynamics and foster meaningful cultural change.

Through its in-depth analysis and insightful observations, this book provides valuable insights for policymakers, cultural practitioners, and scholars interested in understanding the complexities of cultural development and the role of participatory governance in shaping it. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of promoting cultural participation and sustainability in diverse contexts.

Weight: 369g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030816506
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022