Cultural Policy Research Articles

Reappropriating the communal past: lineage tradition revival as a way of constructing collective identity in Huizhou, China

This article discusses the reappropriation and redefinition of heritage and tradition as a process of purposeful and selective value extraction by various groups at the local level in Huizhou, China, based on case studies. It is a process of continuous accumulation and self-persuasion by empowering specific cultural heritages, thus reinforcing the identity and cognition of the group to which they belong. The recovery of lineage worship to negotiate different cultural meanings and gain discursive power in the village of Huangdun reveals the counterbalance of the distribution of benefits among lineage groups, locals and government officials. These heritage empowerment actions fit with the official cultural policy and the vision for cultural orthodoxy, healing the division and creating some benefits for the local community. They also generate potential conflicts between the official and folk levels but are performed with mutual achievement and utilisation rather than unilateral dominance.

How Does Eurosceptic Party Consolidation Transform Party Competition Over European Issues?

AbstractThe European Union (EU)—the world’s most advanced and exemplary case of regional integration—is adapting to an era when internal criticisms are becoming more influential than ever before in the history of European integration. An entirely new party family of Eurosceptic parties has emerged and consolidated over the last decade. Given that one of their main aims is to challenge and critique the EU, Eurosceptic parties have a particular interest in European issues—the European polity as well as major European policies. Against this backdrop, the paper investigates whether and how the rise and consolidation of Eurosceptic parties of the left and right has affected party competition over European polity and policy issues. Empirically, we use information from the Euromanifesto data set covering the past 40 years (1979–2019) relating to elections to the European Parliament. Our paper’s findings suggest that the upsurge and consolidation of Eurosceptic parties of the left and right has an important effect on party competition over European issues: Eurosceptic party success affects mainstream leftist parties’ issue salience and position when it comes to the EU polity. Moreover, higher levels of support for far-right Eurosceptic parties have an impact on the position of rightist mainstream parties on EU cultural policy issues, whereas leftist mainstream parties appear mostly unresponsive to the Eurosceptic parties’ success when it comes to EU economic policy issues. These findings give us a clearer insight on how exactly Eurosceptic parties are transforming mainstream party competition.

Assessing student readiness for Kurikulum Merdeka implementation

This study assesses students' preparedness for the Kurikulum Merdeka and its implementation. The subject and object of the research were 10th-grade pharmacy students at one of the vocational schools in Cirebon, totalling 19 students. There were sixteen female students and three male students. This research used descriptive-qualitative design. The researchers used questionnaires, interviews, and observations as the instruments. The result of this research indicates that student readiness is so important that students are ready to learn. Moreover, the curriculum must be implemented in all schools by 2024 according to the Ministry of Education and Culture's policy. Nevertheless, the results of this research show that students' readiness to face the Kurikulum Merdeka cannot be considered sufficient as their readiness for this curriculum stands at only 78.7%. Keywords: Student readiness; Kurikulum Merdeka; Implementation

한국과 중국의 유학생 유치 문화 정책 비교 분석 연구

한국과 중국의 유학생 유치 문화 정책 비교 분석 연구

Distance Learning through the Grand Egyptian Museum: Leveraging Modern Technology to Teach about Ancient Egypt among Schools and National Museums

By considering the increasing emphasis on lifelong learning and the ongoing significant debates over the value and utility of digital technologies in accelerating long-established learning tasks, the paper suggests new approaches for the national museums of Egypt to incorporate distance learning and museum-based online programs as a means to improve their traditional educational programs. This would significantly help school students better understand the ancient history of Egypt, “Pharaonic Egypt”, which is an essential part of their formal school curriculum. Moreover, it provides much-needed support to museums with limited or insufficient educational programs to promote more meaningful learning experiences. The proposed approach can be effectively implemented through the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum complex dedicated to the culture of ancient Egyptian Pharaonic Culture. The study discusses the GEM’s educational and digital infrastructure capabilities in creating a robust online learning platform that provides access to rich educational content and digital resources across Egypt’s various geographic regions, enhancing museum education concerning pharaonic Egypt in line with the state’s cultural policy to strengthen national identity among future generations. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, the study investigates the potential benefits of integrating online digital technologies into the pedagogical and educational practices of Egypt’s national museums. It concludes by providing practical recommendations for future research and actions encouraging online learning among Egyptian museums, aligned with recent national efforts toward Egypt’s digital transformation.

지역 문예회관 활성화에 미치는 영향요인 분석: 지역 특성 요인의 유의성 검증

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the revitalization of local cultural and arts centers, which have been established to foster regional cultural development and enhance the cultural lives of local residents, within the context of past decentralization efforts and recent emphasis on balanced regional development. Specifically, the study examines the significance of various social and economic conditions affecting local area, such as population decline, regional extinction, aging populations, youth outmigration, and economic slowdown, on the revitalization of local cultural and arts centers. By investigating the causal relationship between the current limitations of local areas and the activation of local cultural and arts centers, the study seeks to propose future strategic directions for regional cultural policies to enhance the vitality of these centers. The research employs a panel regression analysis on data from 53 local cultural and arts centers in small and medium-sized cities, using performance-related data from 2016 to 2020, as detailed in the Board of Audit and Inspection's report on the Status of Population Structure Change III(Local Administration). The analysis reveals that higher operational expertise, achieved through the residency of professional performance groups and the employment of specialized personnel for performance planning and related projects, as well as higher operational capacity for hosting and planning both fine and popular art performances, positively impact the revitalization of local cultural and arts centers. However, regional characteristics were found to have no significant causal relationship with the activation of local cultural and arts centers. Consequently, to enhance the activation of cultural and arts facilities, including local cultural and arts centers, local areas should not remain constrained by their current physical limitations or social and economic issues. Instead, efforts should focus on developing regional culture through the branding of cultural and arts facilities, facilitated by necessary changes in systems and policies that allow for the continuous infusion of professional personnel and high-quality art programs into local cultural and arts centers.

신체제기 창극단의 탄생과 분화

Several changgeukdans appeared and various creative changgeuk works were announced during the New System Era (新體制期, 1940-1945), a time when the Japanese wartime system was newly transformed. This study empirically investigated the emergence and differentiation of the changgeukdan, and the changes of changgeukdan managers and producers in relation to the controlling cultural policies during this period. With the implementation of the theatrical control and mobilization system, the changgeuk world changed significantly. First, during this period, several companies named “Changgeukdan” were formed, and new forces emerged through these companies. Joseon Seongak Yeonguhoe (조선성악연구회) was transformed into Changgeukjwa (창극좌) and then Joseon Changgeukdan (조선창극단), and Kim Yeon-soo emerged as its leader. In contrast, Hwarang (화랑) and Dongil Changgeukdan (동일창극단) actively presented new works, emphasizing its music choreographic characteristics, and Cho Seon-sun and Kim A-bu emerged as new forces in the field of composition, directing, and writing. Second, as the demand for new scripts aligned with Japanese imperialism national policy increased, the members of the Playwrights’ Club (극작가동호회), such as Park Jin, Lee Woon-bang, and Kim Gun, announced creative changgeuk works. Specifically, Park Jin was deeply involved in the changgeuk world, using several names. He led the establishment of Hwarang, was in charge of the director’s role in Changgeukjwa and Joseon Changgeukdan, and wrote a national propaganda plays. Meanwhile, Kim Yong-seung, who provided the performances of Joseon Seongak Yeonguhoe as an adaptation writer, left Joseon Changgeukdan and joined Dongil Changgeukdan, but withdrew without producing any new work. Third, social and cultural figures were involved in the establishment and operation of changgeukdans. Park Seok-ki served as the manager of Hwarang and Joseon Changgeukdan, and Yoon Baek-nam served as the representative of Bando Changgeukdan. In the organization of changgeukdans, there was also a “deliberation room” composed of “cultural authorities.” During the wartime period, new figures emerged in entire fields of changgeuk production, and cultural figures widely participated in the management of changgeukdans.

Transformácia tradičnej ľudovej kultúry v suburbiách Bratislavy a jej postavenie v rámci Bratislavského samosprávneho kraja

The study deals with the transformation of traditional folk culture in the suburban zones and the participation of the municipality in the preservation of a living cultural heritage in its periphery. Settlements around Bratislava try to preserve their genius loci. They find inspiration in local traditional culture that is transformed into new forms and functions. The first part of the study explains the Bratislava Self-Governing Region’s support to the living cultural heritage. The second part focusses on periodic events in the public space, which have the character of festivals and in which the inspiration by the local traditional culture can be clearly identified. The conclusion of the study includes an analysis of these events in terms of cultural policy, participants, current functions and forms, commodification, and the degree to which the authenticity of the tradition is maintained.

Implementation of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program in Improving the Quality of Education in Indonesia

The existence of the Ministry of Education and Culture policy related to Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program (MBKM) is the right effort in creating a generation that has soft skills and hard skills, and is qualified in aspects of leadership and personality. The MBKM program was launched in 2020 as a new breakthrough for the Ministry of Education and Culture to increase the flexibility of Indonesia's higher education system. MBKM provides greater autonomy for universities and students in designing study programs through student exchange schemes, partner internships, to research or field projects.MBKM is one of the policies of the Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Makariem. One of the programs of this MBKM policy is the Right to Study Three Semesters Outside the Study Program. The focus of this study is to analyze the implementation of MBKM comprehensively in improving the quality of education in Indonesia, so that it can be useful for formulating strategies for improvement and development of MBKM policies in the future. The research method used is a literature study of the material or research that has been done. From the results of the study, it can be seen that the implementation of MBKM helps students in their self-development, in addition, additional skills and student academic achievement also increase.

The Hellenic Archaeological Cadastre: A Land Administration System Specifically Designed for the Documentation and Management of Cultural Heritage

How is land management related to cultural policy and how do these two different scientific fields contribute to cultural heritage protection? How may archaeological sites, immovable monuments, and state property be recorded in a specific Land Administration System? What are the records of the system in numbers? These questions will be answered in this publication, and the example of the Hellenic Archaeological Cadastre (HAC) will be analyzed in detail. The HAC project is one of the most important projects that has been designed, implemented, and launched within the last decade by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The transition of the whole public sector in the digital era and the urgent need for reliable and updated geospatial documentation of public parcels of land and constructions, archaeological sites, and immovable monuments were the two main factors that led to the compilation and implementation of the specific LAS. This study presents the available tools, administrative procedures, records, qualitative and quantitative data, and prominent examples of public parcels of land accessible online in the open access web GIS platform. A SWOT analysis is also performed for its evaluation.

Formation of national and cultural identity as a function of spectacularity and spectacularity culturee

“Spectacularity” in the modern information society is one of the crucial factors and tools for the formation of national and cultural identity, since its role in festive, ceremonial, visual, television, screen, Internet culture, and other similar types of postmodern culture, which have the most important ideological and educational resources for the formation of national and cultural self-awareness and self-identifi cation of citizens in society, is paramount. In modern times, namely in the era of postmodernism, the screen, as well as screen, television, Internet, and visual culture are a powerful ideological weapon, an infl uential educational tool, participating in the creative national and cultural policy of the state. The materials of the article can be used in the educational process in the Cultural Studies major.

The cultural potential of the modern Russian region: infrastructure and consumption of services by the population (on the example of the Vologda region

The object of analysis in the article is the Russian region cultural potential in the context of infrastructure development and consumption of cultural and leisure services by the population. The purpose of the study is to identify quantitative and qualitative characteristics of various components of the cultural sphere of the region. The empirical basis is statistical data, reports from authorities, government programs and projects, as well as monitoring public opinion materials of Vologda region population in 2022 (n=1500). The methodology is based on a resource approach to studying the cultural potential of the region. Statistical data analysis shows negative trends in terms of a reduction in the number of cultural and leisure institutions in the region, a decrease in the consumption of certain types of services for 2000–2022, and the lag of municipal districts and rural areas in the development of cultural and leisure infrastructure compared to large cities. Positive changes are associated with the implementation of a comprehensive state cultural policy both on the part of the federal center and on the part of regional authorities: increasing in overall budget expenditures on culture was revealed with an insufficient share of extra-budgetary sources of funding. As an effective resource for leveling out problems with the involvement of extra-budgetary sources, examples of the participation of private investors within the framework of public-private and public-municipal partnerships are given. The results of the sociological survey recorded positive changes in the population’s assessment of the general situation in the cultural and leisure sphere of the region, identified the range of popular cultural, leisure and sports services, and a high level of satisfaction with their quality, which exceeds the Russian average. It has been established that the older generation; categories of residents with a low level of education and low-income residents are less active in consuming cultural and leisure services. As age increases, attendance at all of the institutions offered for choice decreases. The set of analysis results substantiates the need to use a more differentiated approach to the development of national and regional cultural policies, focusing on socio-demographic categories of the population, taking into account their needs.

Experiences of Peace, Communication and Communication in the Community Radios of Cauca Colombia in Relation to Public Policies for its Strengthening in the Post-Conflict

Objective: To identify keys to sustainability of communication and cultural experiences led by community radio in Cauca, Colombia, and propose recommendations to strengthen these media in the post-conflict. Theoretical Framework: The relationship between communication and culture policies and media diversity is explored, highlighting the role of state institutions such as the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies. Method: Qualitative approach through documentary analysis, interviews and observation. Results and Discussion: Experiences of Nasa Stereo and Radio Pa'yumat, community radio stations of the Nasa indigenous people, are highlighted, highlighting technical, cultural and security challenges. The role of these media as agents of peace and promoters of indigenous cultural identity in Cauca is discussed, with implications for public policies. Implications of the Research: Underlines the need for policies that promote cultural diversity and media pluralism in post-conflict contexts, guaranteeing equitable access to media, especially for marginalized populations such as indigenous peoples. Originality/Value: The research offers an in-depth look at the crucial role of community radios in peace building in Cauca, Colombia, with relevant findings both academic and those related to public policies that support community media.

‘High-Value Culture’ of Igal: Mirroring ‘DAKEN21’ Promoting ‘Malaysia MADANI’

This paper explores the igal ritual theatre practised by the Bajau ethnic group in Sabah, Malaysia, that is performed to heal for the community's well-being. This study focuses on the concept of high-value culture, which goes hand in hand with the thrust of 'Malaysia Madani' and National Cultural Policy 2021 (DAKEN21). The ethnographic method is applied through an 'inductive phenomenological character' approach involving descriptive research design exploration and case studies. The connection of igal ritual theatre elements and its meaning, high-value culture, and the concept of ‘Malaysia Madani’ will be highlighted to demonstrate the community's well-being and quality of life.

Preparing Artists to Save the World: Community-Engaged Arts Practice as Critical Pedagogy

ABSTRACT The sustained marginalisation of creative arts in higher education in Australia risks the delivery of superficial learning experiences that are disconnected from the relationality of place, people, and histories. The metrics used to assess a university’s capacity to produce “job-ready graduates” does not adequately capture the success of students in the creative arts, leading to under resourcing in these disciplines and, ironically, limiting the capacity of these disciplines to train students adequately for their industry. In this paper, we examine the place of community-engaged creative practice and cultural policy learning in universities to ask how tertiary educators can support students to develop industry skills while also embodying a critically engaged pedagogy in order to work and create in the industry in ways that prioritise relationality, context and an ethic of care. Community-engaged arts practice can be understood as that which privileges collaborative processes, values people over institutions, is contextually grounded, and understands creative excellence as intricately entangled in social and relational outcomes. We argue that community-engaged arts practice is a form of critical pedagogy and, potentially, vice versa. We share two case studies of creative arts learning experiences in our university as examples of the powerful crossover between community-engaged arts practice and critical pedagogies in our endeavour to train effective, and impactful creative arts workers in sustainable and ethical practice via a critically engaged creative practice pedagogy.

The History of a Widely Publicised Scandal in Romania between 1934-1935: “Criterion” Association versus “Credința” newspaper. A typical case of stigmatisation: Sandu Tudor

To provide pertinent and instructive answers about the details of the massive controversy involving the “Criterion” Association and “Credinţa” newspaper, the current study offers a critical analysis of the intricate relationship between culture, literature, and social identities. Especially to reconstruct the typologies of the ways in which the two studied institutions were organised and operated, as well as the ethical standards, cultural policies, and underlying principles from which they claimed, we will start with a sufficient factual basis, which will be verified by cross-referencing the data from the Archive files with the information from the memorial literature, journals, and, respectively, articles from the press of the time. Moreover, the motivation of our research approach is to develop a nuanced understanding of discrimination, stigmatisation, and repudiation because, regrettably, many of the elements of this scandal that shook Romanian culture in 1934–1935 and sparked a sensational advertisement at the time have the potential to be deconstructive and destructive even in the present.

The essence of dance. A study of Chinese and Western dance philosophy: socio-cultural, historical and educational aspects

ABSTRACT The art of dance is an intangible cultural heritage that occupies a special place in the social and cultural policy of China. The purpose of this research is to identify the specifics of Chinese and Western dance philosophy. The dance philosophy is a complex notion, which is possible to study through various research methods, including the following: dialectical, semiotic, specific historical, socio-cultural and analytical as well as expert evaluation. This study concludes that the philosophical framework of Chinese and Western dance art plays an essential role. The authors developed a conceptual framework for understanding Chinese and Western dance philosophies. The research revealed that the unique traditions of Chinese national dance are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage and reflect the philosophical aspects of dance within the multicultural environment. The research results can be used in dance pedagogy, choreography, and dance lessons to improve the techniques and skills of dancers. Further research is needed to compare the philosophies of Chinese folk dances and Western folk dances from different countries and historical periods.

Assessing Industrial Past and Cultural Changes in Industrial Lands along the Hangzhou Section of the Grand Canal in China

The Grand Canal has been fundamental in supporting Chinese industrialization, as evidenced in the great changes witnessed across industrial lands, but few studies have approached this issue from a cultural perspective. After an extensive industrial recession in the early 21st century, canal cities like Hangzhou have seen changes in the cultural functions of industrial lands, relocating, transforming, and demolishing factories and other constructions to develop new cultural spaces and products. A deep analysis of these cultural changes is, therefore, quite helpful to appreciate the features of and reasons for Chinese national policy setting in the cultural sections of the Grand Canal, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized purpose of the Grand Canal, etc. Therefore, by focusing on the Hangzhou section of the Canal, and via the integration of high-resolution Google Earth images with a 1.5 spatial resolution, we dynamically monitored the land use of the 10 specifically selected industrial lands and interpretated the various uses of the areas from 2000 to 2020. Then, with archival data from 1950 to 2024 and fieldwork conducted over 1 year, and in consultation with major experts, we designed a mark sheet with factors and scores to comprehensively assess cultural changes in those lands. Consequently, the history of industrialization along the Hangzhou section was thoroughly analyzed with these investigations and data, and the reasons for and influence of cultural changes were presented in detail; subsequently, the outstanding problems were addressed, and suggestions were offered. This study contributes to a better understanding of Chinese cultural policy regarding cities along the Canal after the industrial decline, especially the critical implication of cultural loss within these cities. In addition, it also provides novel perspectives for cultural research, heritage conservation, and urban planning of canals or waterfront spaces for world heritage.

Основные задачи развития этнокультурного образования в Кабардино-Балкарской Республике

The article examines the challenges facing the development of ethnocultural education, emphasizing the need to strengthen the role of ethnocultural subjects in secondary schools to continuously update program-methodical support, content, forms, and methods of ethnocultural education. The relevance of the research topic lies in the necessity to enhance the role of modern information resources and technologies in the educational process. The aim of the study is to analyze the development of ethnocultural education in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. It underscores the necessity of intensifying efforts to publish new textbooks, teaching aids, monographs on the history, culture, and arts of the KBR, among others. The importance of various programs for studying ethnic basic values, history, and culture of the republic’s peoples is emphasized. The research tasks include identifying the main directions of cultural policies in the Russian Federation that shape national and civic identity in the modern education system. The novelty of the study lies in the conceptual approach to studying the issues of ethnocultural education as a continuous humanitarian process aimed at shaping a creative, versatile personality capable of broad interaction in various fields of social practice.

On a wing and a prayer: professional ethics and the prison library

PurposeIn response to instrumental cultural policy agendas in the United Kingdom, the paper explores the practice of collaborative cultural work in the criminal justice system through the lens of professional ethics in prison libraries. It seeks to balance narratives on the value of arts and culture in cross-government policy agendas with a nuanced consideration of the realities of such work in non-conventional organisational settings.Design/methodology/approach“Instrumental Values: Professional ethics in collaborative cultural work” was a two-year empirical study (2017–2019), including ethnographic fieldwork in three case study sites representing prison library services in England. Following a “communities of practice” conceptual framework, research methods included participant observation of day-to-day cultural work and specific events; successive research interviews with library and prison service staff and volunteers; and interviews with key collaborating organisations from extended professional networks.FindingsData from three prison library case studies show consistent ethical implications relating to the extent of collaborative complexity in the field and its impact on participants’ emotional resilience; navigation of the prison regime by cultural workers; consequences for emotional labour and care in the field; and the re-negotiation of ethical boundaries and practices.Originality/valueThe research makes an original contribution to debates on the instrumental value of arts and culture via its intimate focus on prison libraries as microcosms of situated, truly integrated cultural work, both from a physical, organisational perspective and in their representation of a cross-policy function for arts and culture.