Kultúrny život v malých mestách (Prípadová štúdia Brezna a Banskej Štiavnice)
Cultural Life in Small Towns (Case Studies of Brezno and Banská Štiavnica)

Summary/Abstract: Cultural Life in Small Towns (Case Studies of Brezno and Banská Štiavnica). The study is based on the empirical analysis of the present state of the cultural life development in small towns of Slovakia. It compares the opinions and evaluations of local cultural elites and citizens, the differences between both the towns and changes in their cultural life after six years. The research was focussed on the institutional base of local culture, level of cultural life, cultural activities of citizens, their satisfaction with opportunities of cultural enjoyment and the role of local government in the field of culture. The results of analysis support that the most serious problem of local culture is a lack of financial resources. This fact negatively affects the existential conditions of both state and municipal cultural institutions and also the overall development of local cultural life. Its evaluation is reflected in a low level of people’s satisfaction. Especially a poor material and technical equipment of a cultural infrastructure and a lack of cultural events designed for youth are perceived in the most critical way. Even though a revival of citizens’ cultural activities, the orientation to a passive perception of cultural values prevails unambiguously, and the interest in their own active creation is decreasing. The general interest of people in cultural events is considered by the local cultural elites to be insufficient. For the further development of local cultural life it is inevitable to become interconnected with other social spheres. Also, the leading personalities of local cultural institutions realize their tasks and activities within the complex net of social relations. As the most important seems to be the well-established cooperation with local businesses and local government. Especially the role of local government appears to be irreplaceable since the development of culture in small towns is primarily depending on its objectives and efficient operation. Sociológia 1999 Vol. 31 (No. 2: 199-210)

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