Legitimating cultural policy after the 2008 crisis: learnings from France, the UK, Spain and Greece

Abstract

This article examines legitimacy and legitimation processes in cultural policies after the 2008 crisis. This is done by studying the relationships between the main institutional and economic reforms carried out by France, the UK, Spain and Greece cultural policies between 2008 and 2012 and legitimation narratives used to frame them. Based on literature and documentary review, this comparative case studies analysis addresses cultural policy models, each country cultural systems' economic power, and continuity and change in policy legitimation strategies. The comparative analysis reveals the importance of the EU centre-periphery dynamics and historical trends for cultural policy legitimation approaches adopted in changing socioeconomic scenarios.