Chapters | Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends

1. CULTURAL POLICY SYSTEM LUXEMBOURG

1.1 Objectives, Main Features and Background

  • Historical Context:

    • Luxembourg's culture is shaped by centuries of foreign occupation.

    • Transition from state conservatorship to cultural policy evolution since the 1970s, notable acceleration from the 1990s.

  • Key Developments:

    • 1939-1974: Approval of UNESCO convention in 1947, foundation of key museums and heritage services.

    • 1974-1990: Emergence of New Cultural Policy focusing on cultural democratization and animation, establishment of the National Cultural Fund.

    • 1990-2013: Heavy investment in arts infrastructure, introduction of funding systems for artists.

    • 2013-present: Establishment of the Cultural Development Plan (KEP) and increased international collaborations.

1.2 Domestic Governance System

1.2.1 Organisational Overview

  • Ministry of Culture initiates cultural policies.

  • Consults sector representatives and adjusts based on feedback before legislative procedure.

1.2.2 National Authorities

  • Post-legislative elections define ministerial responsibilities.

  • Ministry of Culture oversees international cultural policy and local cultural institutes.

  • Consultative councils include experts for each cultural sector.

1.2.3 Regional Authorities

  • No official regional authorities; however, regional cultural units facilitate connections with municipalities.

  • Réseau Association provides diverse cultural offerings and supports regional development.

1.2.4 Local Authorities

  • Municipalities are responsible for local cultural policies and funding.

  • Notable cultural centers lead initiatives and develop strategies for community engagement.

1.2.5 Main Non-Governmental Actors

  • Growth of professional cultural actors, notably in music.

  • Federations represent sectors and aid the ministry with policy recommendations.

1.2.6 Transversal Cooperation

  • Collaborative networks enhance cultural exchange and development.

1.3 Cultural Institutions

1.3.1 Overview of Cultural Institutions

  • Law of 2004 established 7 + 1 main state cultural institutions, currently under review.

  • Budgets are provided for both public and some non-profit institutions.

1.3.2 Data on Cultural Institutions

  • Detailed categorization of institutions by sector showing growth in public and private sectors.

1.4 International Cooperation

1.4.1 Public Actors and Cultural Diplomacy

  • The Ministry of Culture manages international cultural relations, focusing on partnerships and exchanges.

  • Establishment of Kultur|lx for promoting Luxembourgish arts internationally.

1.4.2 European/International Actors and Programs

  • Luxembourg engages with numerous EU programs, maintaining cultural heritage and transboundary initiatives.

1.4.3 NGO's and Direct Professional Cooperation

  • Collaboration with different non-profit structures for international events enhances cultural representation.