Exploring implicit and explicit cultural policy dimensions through major-event and neoliberal rhetoric

Abstract

This paper is conceptually positions the emergence of the neoliberal city in the context of transitions to late-capitalism. The aim of this study is to understand intersections between explicit and implicit cultural policy dimensions focusing on the Rijeka2020 programme as intended and how it was restructured as a response to COVID-19. Through cultural policy analysis, this ex-ante qualitative case study of the Rijeka2020 programme illuminates overlapping explicit and implicit policy priorities of the ECoC—offering a unique insight into what could potentially be the future of the European cultural policy. Rijeka2020 can be seen as a changing point amidst different rhetoric, analysed around three themes (regeneration, legacy, and participation). Results examine how Rijeka's culture-led urban regeneration agenda was shy on creative industry oriented programming, yet reinforced through capital cultural infrastructural projects. Through attempts to avoid event-led spectacle, officials planned to engage more at the neighbourhood-scale using participatory art practices that concentrated on capacity building. Important take-away points address shifts from culture-oriented regeneration to local participatory art practices is a step towards reconstructing the cultural sector upstream (based on production) and downstream (through reception). • Rijeka2020 rhetoric offers unique insight into what could potentially be future European major-event cultural policy. • Rijeka2020 culture-led urban regeneration was shy on the creative industry, yet reinforced through cultural infrastructural. • Neighbourhood-scale participatory art was impactful, upskilling the workforce and developing audiences. • Through COVID-19, Rijeka focused on the reconstruction of cultural sector activities and active citizen participation.