Advanced Introduction to Cultural Economics

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by some of the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Written by an internationally renowned expert in the field, Professor Ruth Towse, the book presents a comprehensive yet concise introduction to cultural economics. She covers a broad range of topics in the arts and cultural industries, using the tools of economics to explain their supply and demand, production and consumption. Starting from the 1960s concern with costs and public finance in the performing arts has developed to include museums and built heritage, and lately it has spread to the wider creative industries with their concern about copyright. This book explains the theoretical underpinnings and reports on the main empirical research on the creative industries, cultural policy, performing arts, heritage, artists' labour markets, copyright, broadcasting, film and music, festivals, cities of culture, creative clusters and economic impact. Key features include: a unique survey of the main developments in the field written in straightforward language including explanations of all technical terms each chapter offers guidance for further reading for those who wish to purse the subject beyond an introductory level accessible to anyone with an interest in what drives the creative economy and how the arts are financed. Composed in a succinct and engaging style this commanding introduction will prove an essential resource for students of business economics and industrial organisation, particularly those with an interest in culture, the arts and the media.