Speakers
Description
This research delves into the current dynamics of participatory approaches within the arts and culture scene of Kayseri, a city renowned for its profound historical and cultural heritage yet plagued by notably low levels of cultural engagement. This study addresses the pivotal gap in existing research by exploring the factors that inhibit cultural participation and devising actionable solutions to ameliorate these issues.
Despite its rich cultural assets, Kayseri's potential for cultural engagement remains largely untapped, as evidenced by low attendance rates at cultural events. Literature suggests that such phenomena are not unique to Kayseri but are common in regions where traditional barriers—social, economic, and physical—persist in the cultural sector (Bourdieu, 1984; DiMaggio & Useem, 1978). The necessity to transform these cultural landscapes into more accessible and inclusive environments is imperative not only for cultural preservation but also for the socio-economic development of the area (UNESCO, 2012).
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research to offer a holistic view of the cultural participation landscape in Kayseri. Surveys will quantify the extent of participation and profile the demographic characteristics of participants. Focus groups and in-depth interviews will explore deeper insights into the personal experiences, preferences, and perceived barriers faced by cultural attendees. This approach is supported by the analysis of existing data sources to validate and enrich primary data (Plano Clark, 2011). Initial results highlight significant socio-economic barriers such as affordability and availability of cultural offerings, physical barriers including inadequate access for disabled individuals, and cultural barriers such as lack of awareness or perceived relevance. These findings are in line with Stevenson's (2017) discussion on cultural capital and its impact on cultural participation.
Research on cultural participation often highlights the disparities in cultural access that stem from socio-economic status, educational attainment, and cultural capital (Bourdieu, 1984; DiMaggio, 1982). Furthermore, recent studies emphasize the need for strategic interventions that cater specifically to diverse populations to foster inclusive cultural environments (Stevenson, 2017; Falk & Katz-Gerro, 2016). These perspectives inform the development of our targeted strategies. The study aims to develop targeted strategies to increase cultural attendance and inclusivity. These strategies will be crafted to address specific barriers identified through our research, and their implementation will be closely monitored and adjusted based on ongoing evaluations. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the refinement of cultural policies and practices, ensuring they are effectively tailored to meet the needs of diverse community groups.
By identifying and tackling the barriers to cultural participation, this study not only contributes to the academic discourse on participatory culture but also enhances the societal welfare and economic fabric of Kayseri. The strategies developed will provide a framework for other cities with similar cultural landscapes, promoting wider applicability and significance.
This study is poised to offer significant insights into the mechanisms of cultural participation and the development of effective interventions. By addressing both the empirical and theoretical dimensions of cultural barriers, it will provide valuable guidelines for policymakers, cultural managers, and planners aiming to revitalize cultural landscapes in urban settings.
References
Bourdieu,P.(1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. London: Routledge.
Christin,A.(2012). Gender and highbrow cultural participation in the United States. Poetics, 40(5), 423–443.
Coulangeon,P.(2013). Changing policies, challenging theories and persisting inequalities: Social disparities in cultural participation in France from 1981 to 2008. Poetics, 41(2), 177–209.
DiMaggio, P.(1982). Cultural capital and school success: The impact of status culture participation on the grades of US high school students. American sociological review, 189-201.
DiMaggio, P., & Useem, M.(1978). Social class and arts consumption: The origins and consequences of class differences in exposure to the arts in America. Theory and society, 5, 141-161.
European Commission, 2013a. Press release: survey shows fall in cultural participation in Europe [online]. Available from: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-1023_en.htm
Falk, M.,&Katz-Gerro, T.(2016). Cultural participation in Europe: Can we identify common determinants?. Journal of Cultural Economics, 40, 127-162.
Plano Clark,V.L.(2017). Mixed methods research. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(3), 305-306.
Stevenson, D.,Balling, G.,&Kann-Rasmussen, N.(2017). Cultural participation in Europe: shared problem or shared problematisation?. International journal of cultural policy, 23(1), 89-106.
Tomka, G.(2013). Reconceptualizing cultural participation in Europe: Grey literature review. Cultural Trends, 22(3-4), 259-264.
Unesco,2012. Measuring cultural participation: UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics Handbook No. 2 [online]. Available from: http://www.uis.unesco.org/culture/Documents/fcs-handbook-2-cultural-participation-en.pdf
| Keywords | cultural participation; access to culture; cultural policies; arts and culture |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
