Cultural Policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Recognising Culture as an Integration Tool, Sarina Bakić, ÖGfE Policy Brief, 16’2022

Every cultural policy that is led by democratic principles implies, creates and implements cultural actions, which aim to provide the fulfilment of cultural needs and aspirations for as many citizens as possible. The state, as the main carrier of such cultural policy, brings out certain legal regulations, establishes institutions, presents various planning methods and cultural engineering that do not only make cultural contents accessible to the citizens, but influence citizens’ opinions and the actions of every individual. In this context, it is important to underline the importance of cultural policy regarding integration processes in Bosnia and Hercegovina’s society. The main methods for establishing and developing cultural policy should become the tool for strong relations between citizens and state nurturing various integrative traits. Therefore, this Policy Brief critically evaluates the present discourse of current cultural policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and tries to recommend a better conception of cultural policy and cooperation as a medium for the integration of society in general.               

Policy Recommendations

1. Creating cultural policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the key element for a sustainable society, especially linking it with education, economic and social policies.
2. Ensuring the full engagement of cultural professionals, civil society, media, youth organisations and scientific community in the realisation of a new cultural policy. 
3. Strengthening cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, citizens‘ participation resulting in the unification of society.