Cultural economics as a field of research involves two
areas, culture and economy. These two areas have been
traditionally regarded as each other's antithesis. However,
the economic aspects of culture have increasingly become a
matter of everyday reality for persons working in the
cultural field. The economy of culture has always been in
the focus of political interest. Political decisions
concerning such priority areas as the development of
regional institutions, support to the artists and cultural
programmes for children and youth have important economic
implications. This book deals with a range of topics in
cultural economics. It contains original papers by
economists workingin the field from 15 different countries
and covers a host of both theoretical and practical issues,
covering the performing arts, arts marketsand museums. It
represents an up-to-date statement of the application of
economic ideas to cultural questions.