Study on Culture and the Structural Funds

Culture is an important factor for economic development and local attractiveness of European regions and cities. However, the many ways in which the cultural dimension has been integrated into the framework of EU cohesion and regional policy are still largely unknown.

The study on the contribution of culture to local and regional development – Evidence from the Structural Funds addresses this gap by providing, first, an overview of the different types of contribution to the objectives of EU cohesion policy since 2000 made by the cultural and creative sector, and, second, a pool of around 50 examples illustrating this contribution. For this study, the Strategic Centre for European Studies worked together with ERICARTS.

Seeking for longer-term approach
The study arrives at the main conclusion that resources available for culture-based interventions under the Structural Funds should be more commensurate with the size and growth potential of the creative sector, which is one of the fastest growing sectors in Europe.

A longer-term and more strategic approach to culture-based development is required at local and regional level, which should be further mainstreamed into integrated development strategies, built on partnerships between public authorities, cultural organisations, the relevant business interests and representatives of civil society.