B8691 - Cultural Welfare and Participation (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the social role of culture, understands the role of artistic languages within welfare models and as devices for the increase of people and territories through active cultural participation. This knowledge provides the student with: - competences related to the concept of cultural welfare; - competences related to the good practices that affect the application of this concept at a national and international level; - operational competences in the analysis of the processes, actors and roles that combine in the creation of the social value of culture, so as to know its different aspects and criticalities.

Course contents

The course is structured in two parts. The first section introduces and analyzes the concept of Cultural Welfare, understood as an integrated model for promoting individual and collective well-being and health through practices grounded in the visual and performing arts, as well as in cultural heritage (Cicerchia, 2021). Widely implemented in Northern Europe, Canada, and especially the United Kingdom, Cultural Welfare entails a complex, multi-dimensional approach to care and well-being. At its core lies the assumption that cross-sectoral collaboration between professionals from diverse disciplines is essential, alongside a cooperative methodology that engages key institutional systems—namely, social policy, public health, arts, and culture. Within this framework, the course examines the conceptual foundations of Cultural Welfare, moving between a prescriptive orientation—aligned with salutogenic processes—and a community-building perspective, in which culture functions as a catalyst for strengthening and generating social bonds. Special attention is given to practices that employ visual arts, performance, and theatre to activate relational mechanisms in specific territories. These approaches are discussed through national and international literature, case studies, and practices. The second part of the course is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of these case studies through direct dialogue with cultural practitioners. Through firsthand accounts, students will critically examine the various trajectories of Cultural Welfare and the emerging professional profiles that operate at the intersection of social policy, public health, and cultural production

Readings/Bibliography

Manzoli G., Paltrinieri R., Welfare culturale, La dimensione della cultura nei processi di Welfare culturale, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021

 

Cicerchia A., Che cosa muove la cultura. Impatti, misure e racconti tra economia e immaginario, Editrice Bibliografica, 2021

 

Wittkower R, Wittkower M., Nati sotto Saturno. La figura dell'artista dall'antichità alla Rivoluzione francese, Einaudi, Torino, 2005 (solo il capitolo Genio, pazzia e melanconia)

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures; Seminar-style discussions; Individual and group activities on the themes, examples and case studies presented during lectures

Assessment methods

Oral examination. The exam will assess: a solid understanding of the content presented by the authors discussed in lectures and seminars; the ability to critically rework the concepts and approaches explored in the course, including their application to case studies and examples covered in the course materials; the use of language appropriate to the disciplinary field.

Teaching tools

Throughout the course, a range of teaching tools will be used, including computers, internet resources, PowerPoint presentations, documentary audio and video materials, as well as possible guest lectures. All slides and course materials presented or discussed during class will be made available to students via the virtual platform [virtuale.unibo.it]

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Rinaldo Meschini