Abstract

A new public policy awareness of the multidimensional and interdependent nature of social exclusion is leading, in Italy as in other European countries, to a growing recognition of the potential impact of cultural inclusion on the other dimensions of exclusion. One of the key concerns of this article is to investigate whether, beyond the accomplishments, limits and future prospects of policies and practices independently pursued in the cultural and social sector in our country, there may be a genuine and effective convergence between the two agendas. Having given an overview of policies and projects linking culture with social inclusion - the former often placing more emphasis on rhetoric than practice, the latter often successful, but isolated and fragmented - the article outlines some key principles and actions by which a more fruitful dialogue may be established not only between cultural and social policies, but also between policy and good practice.