Cultural Networks

This thesis explores the value of networks for culture, drawing from Organizational Theory literature and the pragmatic approach to values found in Dekker and Morea (2023). Uniquely situated within Cultural Economics, the study addresses the following research question: What is the value of networks for culture, and how do creators organize cultural networks? It delves into sub-questions concerning the justification and institutionalization of cultural activities and values. By studying the case of the Reset! network, a member of the European Networks of Creative and Cultural Organizations that gathers independent cultural and media initiatives, several distinct features of cultural networks were revealed. Firstly, the coordination logic of the cultural network is based on shared ideals and experiences rather than pecuniary considerations. Instead of organizing around a particular art practice, the cultural network organizes around a shared social and political imagination that is embodied in independent practice. Secondly, through discursive practices, the practices of independence are valorized among the members and policymakers. The network is justified through its political value. However, the members recognize other values as more important. For them, the network has value in itself, valuing the connection with the other members and the sense of community. The value of discussions is also recognized. Conversations with other members allow for value discovery and transformation, indicating that values are dynamic, a view that aligns with Dekker and Morea’s (2023) perspective. This research contributes to the scholarly field of Cultural Economics by providing a framework for studying cultural networks as a basis for further studies, shedding light on the dynamic nature of values, and revealing the potential role of cultural networks in the process of realizing the values of culture, a role that should be further explored within the literature. This study is largely exploratory, and it was conducted by employing a qualitative method. The main research strategy used was semi-structured interviews, complemented by direct observation and archival data. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis using a mix of inductive and deductive coding.