Introduction
The support centre for local cultural policy (in Dutch: Steunpunt voor lokaal cultuurbeleid or simply Cultuur Lokaal) was founded November 7, 2001, within the framework of the decree of July 13, 2001 aiming to stimulate a high quality and comprehensive local cultural policy. This decree of the Flemish Government stimulates municipalities to perform strategic policy planning, supported by a cultural policy co-ordinator, and combines the legislation for culture centres and libraries.
Gradually, the positive effects of this decree are noticeable:
- A more structured approach;
- More emphasis on participation;
- Improvement of the local image: more municipalities placing themselves on the culture map;
- A rethinking of rigid frames of thought and action and the demolition of old boundaries;
- The inclusion of previously neglected parts of the local cultural policy;
- Focusing on new themes which strengthens the comprehensive approach to culture, both inside and outside the boundaries of the cultural landscape.
Structure
Cultuur Lokaal works for the 327 local governments in Flanders and Brussels Capital Region, of which over 60% is subsidised within the framework of the decree of July 13, 2001. Special attention is given to the 61 culture centres that are subsidised by the Flemish Community.
Aims
The aims of the support centre are: to offer practical support, to develop good practices and to communicatet local cultural policy, with all parties involved. Cultuur Lokaal fulfils its aims using four functions: collecting, stimulating, counseling and researching.
Activities
- Cultuur Lokaal collects knowledge and makes it available in a knowledge centre on (local) cultural policy, aiming to promote and support local development.
- In partnership, Cultuur Lokaal develops useful publications
- Cultuur Lokaal has an information point bringing together a varied collection of professional literature, theme files, periodicals, reports, materials from municipalities and culture centres (such as policy plans, action plans…);
- www.locusnet.be is the web reference for local cultural policy.
- Cultuur Lokaal contributes to a continuous professionalisation of practice through prime examples and concrete instruments.
- Cultuur Lokaal advises and guides local operators in a structured and collective approach. As a central meeting point for local cultural workers, it stimulates information exchange and network formation between different administrative levels, sectors and disciplines.
- Cultuur Lokaal is an intersection in motion, located between policy and practice: the local cultural policy’s field sensor. It provides a tailor made advice, translation from theory to practice and interpretation.
- Cultuur Lokaal keeps in touch with the social debate about culture and the role an active cultural policy plays in a ‘warm’ municipality. Continuous contact with and reflection on new practices are an inspiration for a large variety of methodologies in local approach. New accents like cultural diversity and community formation encourage debate during seminars, workshops and moments of reflection. The vision on cultural participation and on a number of other aspects of (local) cultural policy is examined regularly in study groups and during seminars
- Cultuur Lokaal pioneers, starting up pilot projects, among others aimed at municipalities considering inter-municipal co-operation or cultural institutions working on cultural diversity.
- Cultuur Lokaal portrays local operators in a positive way and puts the spotlight on cultural initiative, with an eye for diversity and innovation.
Contact
Culture Action Europe contact: Krist Biebauw
Locus
Rue du Poinçon 51 Priemstaat
B-1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
T. +32 2 213 10 40
F. +32 2 213 10 39
e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.locusnet.be |
