Should cultural activities be equated as any other commercial private venture?

Abstract

Culture may be divided into two main sectors. The popular culture is enjoyed by the vast majority and attracts large crowds. However, there are other forms of arts which appeal to smaller sectors. The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is entrusted to increase the accessibility of the public to the arts. This study shall analyse if cultural activities should be considered as any other commercial venture where the sole concern of the entrepreneur is to make a profit. Focus is set on two particular cultural activities which originally were organised by a Government entity and at one point in time were privatised. These examples are meant to help establish whether the Government, where cultural activities are involved, should organise and finance the entire activity, partially assist the private organisers or else apply the free market rule. The conclusions derived from my studies show that promoting cultural tourism is a realistic and profitable venture in the long term. Activities aimed solely at entertaining the crowds are to be left to be organised by any other enterprise other than the Government. Other activities that do not attract large crowds but are regarded of a cultural intrinsic value should be completely organised or assisted by the Government and should not be regarded as any other private commercial venture.