Abstract

Cultural policies and institutional frameworks are still largely relying on XIX century paradigms. Although increasingly criticized since the mid XX century, these paradigms are today challenged in an unprecedented way. Citizens’ participation in the traditionally public funded cultural sectors is lower than ever, and research shows how this correlates to increased inequalities. Opportunities and threats for a radical shift in cultural policies and practices come from the «impact imperative» as well as from the Agenda2030 for Sustainable Development.