Culture as a Public Good: Navigating its role in public policy debates

Abstract

The growing international interest in promoting culture as a public good presents an opportunity for it to be recognised. It reflects a consensus among governments around the world that we need a common roadmap to strengthen public policies that support culture within specific policy areas and across other portfolios. We must recognise that the concept of public goods is primarily economic and not universally understood, which can cause confusion and require further context.

Our report aims to explore the concept of public goods and how it is understood from diverse and cross-sectoral perspectives highlight case studies across all sectors; examine the opportunities and challenges of public policy formulation; and assess how culture can make a unique contribution to driving sustainable futures, particularly towards the realisation of culture as a goal in its own right on the UN agenda. We approached our eight authors, experts in their fields, and asked them to answer the question: What does culture as a public good mean to you and your work, and what could it mean for action and tangible results? Seven of our authors come from the cultural ecosystem (including professionals and those working in government, civil society organisations and academia) and the eighth is an academic in the sciences.

Larasati (Indonesia) explores the role of culture in everyday life. Magkou (Greece) reflects on the importance of active civil societies and introduces the concept of the commons in a European context. Montecino (Chile) writes about the dangers of cultural commodification and fetishism in Latin America. Mormina (United Kingdom) applies a vision of science and knowledge to the notion of irreducible social goods and cultural capabilities. Mpfunya (Zimbabwe) offers an African perspective on the misuse of culture as a public good and how to reclaim narratives and reparations. Raphael (Mexico) considers the dangers of homogenisation and the importance of a common good that embraces and safeguards difference. Vunidilo (Fiji) reflects on the recovery of the museum as a public good and an active space for narratives in the Pacific. And Wainwright (New Zealand) assesses the legacies of the Westminster model and the opportunities for adopting the Waitangi Treaty to prioritise public value. All our authors draw on their experience and the imperatives that shape their diverse contexts. Their realities are intertwined and show us that dialogue is both fundamental and urgent.

The discourse around culture as a public good encompasses a wide range of perspectives and considerations, from economic theory to social and political sciences. The recognition of culture as a public good has important implications for public policy-making, resource allocation, and social values. As described in our report, there is no single definition or approach to understanding culture as a public good. Rather, it is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires ongoing debate, exploration, and refinement. To contribute to the discussions, we present the perspectives of our eight authors.

Let us begin our conversation.

Magdalena Moreno Mujica Executive Director, IFACC