The findings of new research, set out in Culture in an Age of Uncertainty – a joint report by the British Council and Germany’s Goethe-Institut – provide evidence that cultural engagement does indeed generate value. The report summarises a rigorous, independent study, carried out over two years by the Open University and Hertie School of Governance, called the Cultural Value Project .
The report finds that international cultural engagement creates value. Yet this value is a matter of perspective. Different beneficiaries perceive quite different benefits. Amongst the main sources of value identified by beneficiaries of cultural engagement programmes were:
- Better dialogue between peoples, countries, and cultures
- Better access to wider audiences for local partners in the countries in question
- The acquisition of new skills by those partners
- Networking opportunities for the beneficiaries of cultural engagement programmes
- Funding for those beneficiaries
The report finds that the value of cultural engagement is increased when such engagement is mutual and seen to be mutual. It also has valuable insights about the nature of that value in transition societies, the challenges that those involved in cultural engagement there face, and the lessons they can learn as they seek to maximise their impact.