Framework for Cultural Statistics 2009.UNESCO

Abstract

Foreword

The 2009 UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics (FCS) is a collaborative effort by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and the UNESCO Culture Sector. Based on the 1986 Framework for Cultural Statistics, this revised version of UNESCO’s cultural statistics methodology takes into account new concepts that have emerged since 1986 in the field of culture, including those related to new technologies – which have so drastically transformed culture and the ways it is accessed – intangible heritage, and evolving cultural practices and policies.

Culture plays a key role in all societies around the world, influencing various facets of peoples’ lives, from leisure to professional activities. The role of culture in development has also recently emerged as an important policy issue. However, preserving and respecting the specificity of each individual culture as well as the distinctive qualities of other cultures is the challenge that must be met globally.

In order for evidence-based policies to be formulated and for their impacts to be measured and evaluated, reliable information is needed. With this in mind, UNESCO recognized the need to update its 1986 Framework for Cultural Statistics, which was based on a formal and static notion of culture that does not reflect the current more inclusive approach and the priorities of developing countries. In addition, the new framework provides a conceptual foundation and methodology to enable the production and dissemination of internationally comparable cultural statistics.

This revised version is the result of a comprehensive four-year global consultation. A large number of individual experts, scholars, statisticians, UNESCO Member States and international organisations contributed to its development. The numerous and varied input from the different participants proved invaluable to the creation of this methodology, providing new and diverse perspectives on culture and cultural statistics. The 2009 FCS has been designed as a methodology for international and national application. Its main goal is to facilitate international comparisons through a common understanding of culture and the use of standardized definitions and international economic and social classifications.

Through this project, UNESCO hopes to encourage investment in cultural statistics. Data and statistics are urgently needed by Member States, international agencies and non- governmental organisations to better measure the impact and relevance of cultural policies and programmes. We trust that the 2009 Framework for Cultural Statistics will contribute to the improved measurement of the economic and social impacts of culture.

Hendrik van der Pol
Director, UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Françoise Rivière

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture