Borchi, Alice (2017) Culture and economic crisis : cultural value in Italy from 2008 to the present day. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This doctoral work is based on analysis of the discourse on cultural value in contemporary Italy, what are the 'grand narratives' that characterize this discourse and what is the relationship between them. In particular, great relevance is given to the concepts of “neoliberalism” and “commons”. The application of these two economical terms to the field of culture is particularly relevant in the Italian discourse: in 2011, Italy saw the rise of protest groups made of professionals from the arts sector who opposed practices influenced by the theories on the commons to the implementation of neoliberal-inspired policies. In fact, since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008, the discontent of the Italian population with the implementation of austerity policies and the lack of political and economic stability caused an uprising involvement in political activism. The cultural sector, in particular, was facing a lack of state funding; in addition, many young professionals had been struggling to find a paid job, especially in the theatre sector. The dissatisfaction of the emergent creative class led to a series of demonstrations and campaigns that asked for the recognition of the rights of arts workers. Many abandoned buildings, especially former theatres, were occupied and became spaces dedicated to artistic and political experimentation. Two of these organisations are discussed in the case studies: Teatro Valle Occupato, in Rome, and Rebeldía, in Pisa. The idea of cultural value promoted by these organisations is analysed in relation to the one reflected by Italian cultural policy after 2008. This thesis shows not only how cultural value is shaped by economic factors such as austerity, but also how it represents a battleground where different ways of understanding politics and policy clash, mingle and sometimes overlap. Furthermore, it shows that activist forms of arts management can develop their own pathways to innovation, filling a vacuum left by cultural policy.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Italy -- Cultural policy, Art and state -- Italy, Neoliberalism, Commons, Protest movements -- Italy, Arts -- Economic aspects -- Italy
Official Date:	November 2017
Dates:	Date Event November 2017 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Belfiore, Eleonora, 1975-
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	227 leaves
Language:	eng

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