gBDkI

Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Why measure cultural participation?
1.1.1 A fundamental right
As we know, culture is not a static fact but a living organism and
therefore our ways of participating also go through changes.
What we probably all agree on is that we should be given the
opportunity to have access, we should be able to choose whether
or not to participate, and that all this should have a regulatory
basis that ensures this in any given circumstances and to
everyone. Public policies, especially cultural policies, should
reflect and contribute to the construction of an enabling
environment where rights to access and participation in cultural
life are covered.
- 7 -
(Laaksonen, 2010]
Article 27 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations Human
Right, 1948) states that “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the
community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” This
implies an obligation on the part of governments (at national, regional and local levels) to ensure
that this right is upheld. It is not just a question – however important – of the right to freedom of
expression (Article 19). Coupled with the parallel ‘right to rest and leisure’ (Article 24); this is
about more than the mere existence or availability of culture, as it encompasses additional vital
concerns, in policies such as education, language, cultural provision, disposable income,
geography and territory, even public transport.
These considerations are specifically reflected in certain national Constitutions but not in
others – where they may be either implied or missing. Good modern examples would be Spain’s
1978 Constitution (revised 1992) in Article 44 (“Culture, Science”):
� The public authorities shall promote and watch over access to culture, to which all have a
right.
The Swedish Parliament’s 1996 ‘national goals for cultural policy’ aims to:
� promote everyone's opportunity for cultural experiences, cultural education and to
develop their creative capabilities.
� promote quality and artistic renewal.
� promote a living cultural heritage which is preserved, used and developing.
� promote international and intercultural exchange and cooperation.
� especially observe the right to culture of children and young people.