Government agencies typically see heritage and culture as being of low priority in the face of other pressing development needs, even more so in times of economic distress. However heritage and culture can play a direct role in tourism, deliver urban and rural regeneration, and provide social and economic benefits for individuals and communities.

Today heritage and culture are asked to meet many new demands: justifying public spending; demonstrating their role in healthy cities; providing educational opportunities; engaging new audiences; and promoting cultural tolerance and understanding.

There are important new developments in the UK which shed light on these critical policy matters and this experience will be used as a catalyst to stimulate discussion and exchanges of ideas between participants.

This study programme will introduce the basic principles behind heritage and cultural policy – what it is, why it is important, and how it can contribute to the economy and society as a whole. It will consider topics such as policy reform, cultural tourism development, funding strategies, community heritage and intangible heritage, site management, and sustainable development as well as innovative approaches to heritage and culture in the modern world.

The programme will also look at the often ignored role of innovation and leadership in the sphere of heritage and culture.