Embedding inclusion in the management approach of cultural organizations

This paper aims at analyzing the theme of inclusion of physically and socially disadvantaged people in the management of cultural organizations. The objective of the analysis is to investigate this subject in the context of changes that has characterized the recent years. The research analyzes whether current and emerging managerial approaches are consistent with or reflect the perspectives on inclusion promoted by European policies (in particular the strategy Europe 2020 for a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe), by the Council of Europe Faro Convention and by UNESCO key documents, particularly the Declarations on Cultural Diversity, 2001, the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 2005 but also more specific documents concerning disability such as the New Delhi Declaration on Inclusive ICTs for Persons with Disabilities: Making Empowerment a Reality, 2014, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006, or the Recommendation concerning the Most Effective Means of Rendering Museums Accessible to Everyone, 1960. Furthermore, the analysis aims at understanding the peculiarities and characteristics of current and emerging managerial approaches in relation to this theme. For this purpose, a research has been carried out in two phases: a theoretical analysis and an empirical investigation. The theoretical analysis focused on understanding the main managerial and economic approaches to the theme of inclusion in the cultural sector. The empirical analysis was structured in two main phases: In the first phase, interviews and meetings with key players of the cultural sector were carried out. This phase aimed at gathering information that could lead to the selection of a small sample of representatives of cultural organizations that are promoting innovative managerial approaches to the issue of inclusion in cultural organizations and at identifying selected case studies that could be relevant to this topic. In the second phase, the sample of representatives of cultural organizations was contacted via email or phone. Research interviews were carried out with directors and managers of the chosen case studies. The institutions selected are located in Italy and France, two countries that are characterized by a relevant presence of cultural heritage assets as recognized by the high number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting from the theoretical premises, this chapter is divided into four main sections. This introductory part is followed by a second section that explores the main theoretical approaches to the theme of inclusion under a managerial perspective. The following section analyzes the economic and managerial criteria and approaches to this issue, discussing the degree of consistency of these perspectives with the scenarios proposed by European policies, by UNESCO conventions, recommendations and declarations and by the Council of Europe Faro Convention. As a result of this analysis, an innovative approach is proposed. This approach is analyzed by means of an empirical investigation of specific case studies of cultural organizations that have been implementing innovative perspectives to inclusion. The chapter ends with some concluding remarks on the results of the analysis, highlighting also potential research developments in the future.