Unit 1
Introduction: Inventing Heritage

Public policy is a key instrument that directly affects cultural administration. In less direct ways, public policy has influences on normative ways of life, points of view, and the sense of self of Canadians, both as citizens and consumers. As a system of articulated goals and methods to attain those goals, a cultural policy presents a coherent framework within which society operates. Cultural policy is always instrumentalist; it is designed for a social purpose, which often raises questions about the role of the state in this field.

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

1. Place heritage institutions and policy in the broader context of Canadian cultural frameworks that involve both public and private interests.
2. Explain the pressures on heritage policy development of cultural, social, and economic forces.
3. Name major players in policy development and implementation, including state agencies, advocacy groups, cultural institutions, and business interests.