The Economics of Culture, as a sub-discipline of Economics, actually develops from a strict discussion of cultural policy. Despite this observation, it is clear that from the point of view of positive analysis and from the disciplinary approach of economics, the conceptual framework that explains public intervention in culture comes from the schemes of rationalisation of the processes of public action. If there is an agreement in the field of the Economics of Culture, it is that, despite the mentions made by some of the classics on cultural goods and services, the work that kick-started the formation of the speciality of the Economics of Culture is the work of Baumol and Bowen: "Performing arts, the economic dilemma. A study of problems common to theatre, opera, music and dance", which appeared in 1966. These works, commissioned by a foundation whose function was to provide funding for the arts and culture, will mark the characteristic that influences the main research to this day: the link with the disputes over the role of the public sector in subsidising culture, i.e. its attachment within Economics to those departments traditionally linked to the study of Public Finance.