This book is an attempt to familiarize all who hold positions of responsibility, whether policy-makers,administrators or workers in the field, with the work and conclusions of those who have been giving thought over the last twenty years to cultural development in the contemporary world.

Our aim has been to consider different approaches to cultural policy- making and a number of experiences which, in our view, are likely to spur those involved in cultural action to think about the various issues raised.

This work is not a list of prescribed solutions or a summary of cultural policies implemented throughout the world; nor is it a personal essay or intellectual exercise. Rather than formulate a theory on cultural action, we have attempted to summarize the results of research or collective thinking from which those attending a variety of international meetings have been able to draw objective conclusions.
(from Foreword)