Rome 1976-1985: a cultural policy in the international comparison

This study highlights the innovative cultural policy implemented in Rome between 1976 and 1985, led by Renato Nicolini, former cultural commissioner of the Rome municipality. The approach emphasized democratic access to culture, blending diverse genres and audiences at low cost, while challenging traditional models of cultural decentralization. It proposed the historic center of Rome as a shared space for fostering urban identity amid social unrest. The research draws on Nicolini's speech from a 1984 conference, comparing Italian and U.S. cultural policies to identify key typological elements, such as public-private partnerships and the role of government as a catalyst rather than a direct funder. The study underscores the potential for ephemeral cultural initiatives to upgrade demand and pave the way for more permanent infrastructure renewal.

Renato Nicolini. (2012). Roma 1976-1985: una politica culturale nel confronto internazionale [JB]. Economia della Cultura, 2, 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1446/38237