Culture Squared: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Values Espoused by National Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies

This study compared the values of national cultural agencies of 92 countries around the world. Through analysis of agency names, mission statements, and other information on the websites of cultural ministries and arts councils, the research considered not only the scope and function of each agency but, in particular, looked at which values were reflected in each country's cultural policies. The most prominent value-oriented themes were cultural heritage, national promotion of arts and culture, national identity, and cultural diplomacy. The study contributes to a framework on which many regional and other comparative studies of cultural policy can be anchored.