Global Cultural Governance Policy

Abstract

In this chapter, we provide an overview of key international cultural governance/policy initiatives and assess the main linkages that have developed with local cultural planning. Our examination of the policy threads encompasses three thematic areas: heritage; creative industries and creative cities; and culture, sustainability, and diversity. We look at how various global governance instruments are incorporated within these three thematic areas, and consider how the precepts outlined in these instruments have been adapted or localized and linked to the practices of local cultural development and planning. The final section examines Agenda 21 for Culture, an initiative of United Cities and Local Governments, through which cities are collectively acting at the international level to link multicultural diversity and cultural rights with cultural planning, urban planning processes, and sustainable development. In closing, we reflect on how global cultural governance and local planning seem to be connected, and consider prospects for the future.