There is among many nations a growing awareness that the arts and culture have an important role to play in forming the image that nations hold of themselves and that they convey in the international arena. At the same time, increased pressure on the public purse, new trade environments, and the revolution in communications technology are forcing the reexamination of cultural policy objectives and strategies for achieving those objectives in countries throughout the world. This book, based on the research and expertise of practitioners and scholars in the field of cultural policy, provides a broadly based cross-cultural analysis of policy in two countries with very different cultural traditions. The authors move beyond cultural boundaries to define 'art' and 'culture,' explore the role of cultural policies in a nation's cultural development, and evaluate policy effectiveness and relevance. Case studies of organizations in art, music, dance, and drama, in both the United States and Japan, examine the elements that contribute to effective arts management and policy-making. Arts managers, cultural policy-makers, researchers, practitioners, and educators will find this an excellent resource that provides valuable teaching materials in the field of cultural policy and facilitates cross-cultural learning about arts management.

"Navigating Change in Complex Ministry Environments. Mission Design by Aaron Abramson is a timely guide for ministry leaders navigating the challenges of a volatile and rapidly changing world. With technological growth, societal shifts, and economic instability reshaping the landscape, traditional five-year plans feel out of touch. Yet, even amidst uncertainty, opportunities for meaningful kingdom impact abound. Drawing on principles from design thinking, user experience design, and service design, Aaron Abramson provides a step-by-step approach to help pastors, church planters, nonprofit leaders and mission entrepreneurs adapt and innovate ministries to reach the shifting world around us. This book provides the tools and insights you need to adapt, pivot, navigate, and kickstart change for your ministry. Whether you're clarifying your vision, understanding your community's needs, or testing new strategies, Mission Design equips you to lead your organization into a flourishing future. With relatable examples and case studies, Abramson doesn't just show you how to launch impactful ideas-he also teaches you how to pivot, evaluate, and grow through the learning process. No matter where your ministry is in its organizational life cycle, God can do new things in and through you for the good of those to whom you are called"-- Provided by publisher.