Purpose – This paper investigates Participatory Cultural Initiatves (PCIs) and patterns of learning and knowledge sharing among participating actors. We highlight Participatory Cultural Initiatives (PCIs) and their impact on communities, cities, and regions. PCIs create material and immaterial outcomes through the presence of cultural artefacts and the exchange of ideas, thoughts and feelings among participants. In particular, a participatory approach to cultural and creative initiatives entails civic engagement and strong support for creating and sharing cultural projects, highlighting the subjective relevance of individual contributions and strengthening the feeling of being socially connected among each other. Unfolding participation also activates knowledge sharing and learning processes. Hence, we address the following research questions: First: What role does the exchange of knowledge play in PCIs intended as collective learning organizations? Secondly, we look at the knowledge outcome of PCIs relating to individual and collective knowledge components. Both research questions contribute to a better understanding of the general phenomenon of participatory culture as well as the role of culture in society. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a sound literature review in the field of PCIs, we propose an inductive approach by conducting two connected case studies: Matera as a European Capital of Culture and Rome as a City of Film (within the UNESCO network of creatives cities). The cases were chosen, as both examples have similar selection criteria (referring to UNESCO programs). We selected primary data through personal semi-structured interviews with the key actors of each initiative, as well as secondary data through the analysis of relevant documents, press releases, websites, social media, etc. concerning the initiatives. Originality/value – More and more, citizens and cultural institutions collaborate to develop cultural projects through a participatory approach. This leads to the stratification of knowledge and of learning processes that further enrich the local communities. Notwithstanding a prolific body of knowledge on cultural initiatives, we need more insights on how PCIs as well as the resulting collective knowledge components can contribute to creating value for individuals and society. We propose a comprehensive framework to analyse these new phenomena, highlighting their impact on different stakeholders. Practical implications – The research fosters a deeper understanding of PCIs and their societal impact. It supports professionals, politicians, institutions and citizens who are involved in developing, funding, managing and measuring cultural and creative projects. Finally, this paper contributes to expanding the literature on knowledge generation and participatory culture.

Biondi, L., Demartini, P., Marchegiani, L., Marchiori, M., Piber, M. (2018). The Outreach of Participatory Cultural Initiatives: the Importance of Creating and Exchanging Knowledge. In Societal Impact of Knowledge and Design (pp.503-518). IKAM - Centro Studi Ricerche.

The Outreach of Participatory Cultural Initiatives: the Importance of Creating and Exchanging Knowledge

Biondi L.;Demartini P.;Marchegiani L.;Marchiori M.;Piber M.
2018-01-01

Abstract

Purpose – This paper investigates Participatory Cultural Initiatves (PCIs) and patterns of learning and knowledge sharing among participating actors. We highlight Participatory Cultural Initiatives (PCIs) and their impact on communities, cities, and regions. PCIs create material and immaterial outcomes through the presence of cultural artefacts and the exchange of ideas, thoughts and feelings among participants. In particular, a participatory approach to cultural and creative initiatives entails civic engagement and strong support for creating and sharing cultural projects, highlighting the subjective relevance of individual contributions and strengthening the feeling of being socially connected among each other. Unfolding participation also activates knowledge sharing and learning processes. Hence, we address the following research questions: First: What role does the exchange of knowledge play in PCIs intended as collective learning organizations? Secondly, we look at the knowledge outcome of PCIs relating to individual and collective knowledge components. Both research questions contribute to a better understanding of the general phenomenon of participatory culture as well as the role of culture in society. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a sound literature review in the field of PCIs, we propose an inductive approach by conducting two connected case studies: Matera as a European Capital of Culture and Rome as a City of Film (within the UNESCO network of creatives cities). The cases were chosen, as both examples have similar selection criteria (referring to UNESCO programs). We selected primary data through personal semi-structured interviews with the key actors of each initiative, as well as secondary data through the analysis of relevant documents, press releases, websites, social media, etc. concerning the initiatives. Originality/value – More and more, citizens and cultural institutions collaborate to develop cultural projects through a participatory approach. This leads to the stratification of knowledge and of learning processes that further enrich the local communities. Notwithstanding a prolific body of knowledge on cultural initiatives, we need more insights on how PCIs as well as the resulting collective knowledge components can contribute to creating value for individuals and society. We propose a comprehensive framework to analyse these new phenomena, highlighting their impact on different stakeholders. Practical implications – The research fosters a deeper understanding of PCIs and their societal impact. It supports professionals, politicians, institutions and citizens who are involved in developing, funding, managing and measuring cultural and creative projects. Finally, this paper contributes to expanding the literature on knowledge generation and participatory culture.
2018
9788896687116
Biondi, L., Demartini, P., Marchegiani, L., Marchiori, M., Piber, M. (2018). The Outreach of Participatory Cultural Initiatives: the Importance of Creating and Exchanging Knowledge. In Societal Impact of Knowledge and Design (pp.503-518). IKAM - Centro Studi Ricerche.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/338014
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