Abstract
This paper investigates how Danish cultural leaders in publicly funded institutions—museums, libraries, theatres, and festivals—navigate shifting societal expectations to maintain legitimacy. Drawing on 14 qualitative interviews and a focus group conducted in 2013/14 and 2022/23, the study explores how leaders respond to evolving demands from funders, users, and partners in a changing cultural policy landscape. Using institutional theory and pragmatic sociology, the analysis reveals a transformation in how cultural leaders articulate legitimacy. While earlier discourse emphasized vague notions of public value, recent narratives reflect a strategic embrace of inclusion, co-creation, and civic responsibility. Leaders increasingly frame their institutions as agents of social change—contributing to mental health, climate action, and community cohesion—while maintaining their educational and cultural missions. The findings highlight how participatory programming, partnerships with non-cultural actors, and user co-creation are becoming central to institutional survival. Cultural leaders are repositioning their institutions as dynamic civic platforms, aligning artistic missions with broader societal goals. This shift reflects a departure from traditional “arts for art’s sake” arguments toward a more dialogic model of cultural engagement. This study demonstrates how cultural institutions construct and communicate their public value in an era of heightened accountability and changing expectations. It offers empirical insight into how legitimacy is performed through inclusive narratives and strategic engagement with diverse stakeholders. By analyzing these evolving discourses, the paper contributes to understanding how museums and cultural institutions shape and reshape their identities in pursuit of continued social relevance and inclusive cultural leadership.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Cultural Leadership, Legitimacy, Social Participation, Inclusion, Public Value, Strategic Collaborations
