Introduction to Cultural Policy

Provides an overview of U.S. cultural policy, tracing the origins of the arts infrastructure from the late 19th century to the present, with a focus on the shaping of cultural organizations, taste, patronage systems and audiences. We will investigate a number of contemporary issues, including the much debated role of arts education; the viability of the arts as an engine of economic and community development; the consequences of the recent building boom -- museums, performing arts centers, theaters; and the role (both in fact and potential) of cultural diplomacy and international efforts to preserve cultural heritage. Among others, we will consider three basic policy questions: Who decides? Who pays? Who benefits?; and we will examine what a robust cultural policy for the U.S. might look like in the future.