Governments Recognize Arts and Culture as Vital Infrastructure
Governments globally are increasingly acknowledging arts and culture as vital infrastructure, not merely luxuries. This transition is fueled by their role in cultivating trust, creativity, and resilience, along with their substantial economic contributions. Recent investments by nations such as Switzerland and the EU mirror this fresh perspective.
Traditionally, infrastructure has been linked to tangible assets like roads and power grids. However, leading thinkers like Indy Johar assert that culture is part of the economy's operating system, encoding societal values and driving capital, technology, and institutional evolution. This stance is echoed by economist Mariana Mazzucato, who considers arts and culture as economic infrastructure, crucial for reimagining growth.
Governments are reacting to this comprehension. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and China are investing in cultural infrastructure, connecting it to national wellbeing and diversification. The UN reports that cultural and creative industries contribute more than 3% of global GDP and employ nearly 30 million people. Meanwhile, Switzerland and the EU are investing billions to modernize public infrastructure, enhance cultural promotion, and bolster the resilience of critical societal services, including culture. These investments aim to foster social cohesion, economic development, and protection against diverse threats to critical facilities.
The 21st century finds arts and culture undergirding markets, legitimacy, and resilience as much as steel and concrete. With quantifiable health and social benefits, cultural participation is increasingly recognized as a vital investment. As nations like Switzerland and the EU illustrate, governments are adopting this new understanding, investing in cultural infrastructure to safeguard cultural heritage, foster cohesion, and drive economic growth.
