The authors discuss what is cultural policy in the , and examine the the concept of cultural democracy and its implications. Cultural policy in the should be uncompromisingly committed to cultural democracy. Democratic ideals and concern for the rights of its citizens must inform a humane society's treatment of culture, the sphere in which people's aspirations are expressed.

A pair of myths have obscured our lack of commitment to democratic principles in the U. S. cultural policy: that cultural policy is meaningful only in guiding public action in supporting the arts; and that politics have no place in cultural decision making. These myths must be set aside. Culture is the matrix of society. It encompasses the visions and values, fears and doubts of a people, the built environment, language, educational systems, holidays and customs, and also work in the arts and crafts. Culture is everything that makes us a people - compounded of many distinguished peoples and traditions - and not simply a collection of atomized individuals, who happen to share the same time and space.

The authors discuss what is cultural policy in the , and examine the the concept of cultural democracy and its implications. Cultural policy in the should be uncompromisingly committed to cultural democracy. Democratic ideals and concern for the rights of its citizens must inform a humane society's treatment of culture, the sphere in which people's aspirations are expressed.