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Maximising the creative transformation of society: MESOC's innovative approach to empowering European culture

  • March 3rd, 2023
Jóvenes

Culture is at the centre of our lives and also of public policy. Recent studies show that investment in culture provides a higher probability of winning elections and that investment in culture has a powerful performative power (Rius-Ulldemolins and Díaz-Solano, 2022).

On the other hand, investment in culture also has the highest economic return for a state Rausell-Köster and Abeledo, 2013. Therefore, the New European Agenda for Culture underlines a number of recent initiatives such as Horizon Europe Cluster 2 and the most recent KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community).

These actions allow for the strengthening of the EU's welfare state models, which have been weakened since the 2008 crisis. In the face of this crisis, it is necessary to question the EU's geostrategic positioning. To this end, MESOC has carried out research to create new ways of understanding and measuring the social value of culture that go beyond the economic impact. 

This valuation encompasses aspects such as improved health and personal well-being, regeneration and renewal of urban spaces, as well as fostering citizen engagement and participation (Rausell-Köster et al., 2007). In addition, this project has invested in the technological development necessary to harness the knowledge and resources available, creating tools for a new vision of policies oriented towards the cultural and creative sectors.

Econcult's research unit will present the AU Cultur application, a project that aims to serve as a reference for cultural analysis and the creation of cultural user profiles. The project has been led by economist Pau Rausell, who will present an application that will be tested from Valencia to Poland. 

The community of practice committed to the creative transformation of society will be strengthened during the final MESOC conference in Paris, scheduled for 9-10 March. During this event, the co-construction of the Paris Declaration, which aims to establish the conceptual and operational principles of this community of practice, will take place.

Bibliography

  • Rausell Köster, P., Abeledo Sanchís, R., Carrasco Arroyo, S., José Martínez Tormo, J. (2007). Cultura: estrategia para el desarrollo local.
  • Rausell Köster, P., Abeledo Sanchis, R. (2013). La cultura, la innovación y la creatividad como retos y oportunidades para el futuro de Europa. La cultura, la innovación y la creatividad como retos y oportunidades para el futuro de Europa, 101-126.
  • Rius-Ulldemolins, J., & Díaz-Solano, P. (2022). Political power, performance and ritual: Cultural policy as a framework for the construction of political charisma in the city of Valencia (1991–2015). International Journal of media & cultural politics, 18(1), 21-45.