Histories of Failures

Abstract

This chapter offers a historical context on the development of cultural participation as a policy “problem” in the UK. Furthermore, it identifies the logic on which policymakers tend to base their cultural participation policies and the assumptions that prevail as a result. Specifically, this chapter looks at the fault lines that have shaped the type of policies, projects, and practices that many cultural agencies see as “necessary” and “appropriate” interventions.

Towards an “Evaluation Dilemmas Model” – designing an evaluation scheme for a European capital of culture

“…the evaluation of results is key actually". Equally important in this dilemma, and discussed later in the article, was the "opportunity to explore, change and fail" (G1) (see also Jancovich and Stevenson, 2020).…”

“…But from a policy and stakeholder perspective there is inevitably a sense that results – in terms of visibility and impact – “are your key measures” (G6) and that process “doesn't get the level of attention that maybe it should” (G6) such that although Galway 2020 “has been monitored, which would speak to the processes side … the evaluation of results is key actually”. Equally important in this dilemma, and discussed later in the article, was the “opportunity to explore, change and fail” (G1) (see also Jancovich and Stevenson, 2020).…”