The “problem” of participation in cultural policy (original) (raw)

The paper critically examines the prevailing cultural policy discourse surrounding participation in cultural activities, highlighting the tendency to view low participation rates as a failure of individual engagement rather than a flaw in the cultural offerings themselves. Focusing on the UK context, it argues that despite extensive policy interventions, actual engagement in the arts remains stagnant. Moreover, the text calls for a shift in perspective, advocating for new frameworks that prioritize equity and empower individuals to participate in cultural decision-making, thereby challenging the narrative of the 'cultural non-participant' and the power dynamics inherent in arts policy.