This paper examines cultural policy in the United States, framing culture as a form of national capital that requires deliberate policy stewardship. It outlines the purposes of cultural policy, including encouraging public participation, expanding access to community cultural resources, and fostering active civic engagement. The paper argues for the creation of a federal Department of Cultural Development that would decentralize power while coordinating national efforts around diversity, artistic freedom, and citizen involvement. It also addresses the role of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture in translating policy values into community practice, and concludes by acknowledging the inherent tension between the dynamic nature of culture and the consistency demands of formal policy.
Culture constitutes one of a nation's most important resources. It is the accumulated capital of a society's continued creativity and ingenuity, forming the storehouse of human memory and achievement as well as the wellspring of innovation and uniqueness. In today's knowledge-intensive global economy, cultural capital is becoming increasingly valuable and constitutes an important social foundation as individuals in the U.S. and across the globe endeavor to understand the identities of others while preserving their own unique legacy (Center for Arts and Culture, 2001).
Cultural policy represents both a process and a product — a basis for decision-making and rule-making informed by values and social relationships. It connects to every major societal issue: economic stratification, international relations, education, technology, community development, and race relations (Atlas, n.d.).
Every society requires a vibrant cultural life. By virtue of its capacity to inspire and move people, culture strengthens individuals and develops the broader society. Cultural policies create conditions that enable all people to take part in cultural activities, regardless of whether the goal is education, participation in creative pursuits, or experiencing culture firsthand. They allow for participation in cultural life characterized by high standards and diversity, irrespective of where in the nation one resides (Cultural Policy Objectives, n.d.).
Vibrant cultures constantly multiply opportunities for public participation. One key goal of democratic cultural policies must be inspiring active community involvement in every form of community life, including in the political arena. This implies a significant redirection of existing priorities. Major federal agencies currently direct a large portion of their budgets toward select products — such as works of art or scholarship — rather than toward the sources of cultural creation. The resulting need to determine which outcomes are most valuable has produced an exaggerated and exclusive preoccupation with public sector taste, yielding a federal policy more intent on developing markets for ballet and symphony than on fostering an engaged and active citizenry.
Access is critical to a thriving cultural life in a democracy. Low-cost or free facilities for exhibitions, amateur sports, rehearsals and performances, community broadcasting, and studio work must be available to all. Authorities should make costly equipment — such as sound and light systems, darkroom equipment, kilns, printing presses, and video cameras — available within community centers for use by local residents. The government must fund essential services such as workshops and classes, graphic design assistance, and materials including scenery, props, costumes, and scripts. Underutilized public buildings — such as government offices and schools that sit empty after hours — can serve as a community's cultural center.
"Opening civic spaces for community cultural expression"
"Proposed federal agency to coordinate cultural democracy"
"Role of current U.S. cultural policy apparatus"
Cultural policymaking is faced with the challenge of moving from theory to practice, and carrying a foundation of values, purpose, and knowledge into the tangible improvement of citizens' lives. This task can be difficult, as culture's dynamic nature and the force of creativity frequently resist the consistency and coherence expected of formal policy. Lawmakers' decisions must be open and thoughtful, and coordinating structures must be established for approaching common obstacles — all in the interest of achieving a more effective and expansive set of cultural actions (Atlas, n.d.).
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