Strategic paths for development of contemporary cultural policies and their educational implications

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Active, value-based cultural policy leads to development of culture and forms of cultural expression of individuals, groups or societies; also, it has direct influence on activities of creative industries combining artistic activity and entrepreneurship, operating in the free market and growing globalisation conditions.

Aim of the study: The main purpose of this paper is to analyse strategic approaches to contemporary cultural development policies implemented in mature democracies, in order to understand their educational implications and to be able to support effective, innovative and rational changes in the field of culture by creating a source of synthetic data.

State of the art: As a result of conducted analyses, four strategic approaches intended to increase culture development have been identified, worked out as a result of cultural policies implemented by European democracies, focused on: 1) protection of cultural heritage, totality of creative accomplishments of mankind and supporting prestigious professional artistic creation as a source of creativity and innovation; 2) building democracy and participation in the cultural life, as well as building cultural capital of civil society as a stimulus for development and its driving force; 3) promulgation of cultural diversity in the field of creation, treated as a factor conducive to opening to Others and mutually enriching; 4) fostering personal development and higher quality of human centred life as the objective and sense of cultural policy in the era of globalisation and media impact.

Conclusion: The study on educational implications of cultural policies, conducted in the longer-term perspective, has shown a broader view on the educating role of culture as a factor impacting personal development of every man; shifting from education- into personality-oriented way of thinking; seeking to improve the quality of man and fostering his development through self-development and enrichment of one’s identity, as well as by contacting other cultures, understanding cultural differences.