4 July 2004

Cultural Policies in Europe: The Spanish Case

This paper is part of a transnational project that examines national cultural policies in European countries. This issue looks at Spain, where culture has become a core public policy objective since the 1978 constitution restored parliamentary democracy in the country. First, the paper offers a historical overview of Spain's cultural policies over time and provides a general assessment of the prevailing decision-making processes and administrative structures. Second, the authors define the main objectives of the current cultural policies and compile a list of the current issues dominating the cultural debate in the country. Finally, the paper also looks at the main legal provisions in the cultural field, financing issues, and the role of cultural institutions and new partnerships.

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