Culture and Local Development

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) recently released a new publication on "Culture and Local Development" on the role played by cultural activities in local development.

There has been a growing interest in the role played by cultural activities in local development. When major traditional industries declined or disappeared at the end of the last century, cultural tourism and creative industries have been recognised as both a heritage and a lever for future development.

Central and local governments were mandated to develop infrastructures for cultural creation and heritage conservation, to widen the accessibility to cultural goods and services, and to ensure that culture reinforces the image of their territories. These objectives remain valid, but the context has evolved, influenced by several trends.

Read the full report here.