Steps towards a typology of communities of practice in local cultural policy

This article considers how the notion of communities of practice, frequently used in contemporary studies on learning and knowledge management, can be applied in local cultural policy. It considers why knowledge matters in cultural policy, and in which ways a closer analysis of communities of practice could enhance the availability, use and transfer of knowledge, through processes of discussion and learning. Four types of communities of practice existing in cultural policy are identified: local culture councils, committees and advisory boards; ad hoc working groups for specific purposes or a temporary nature; professional networks and thematic groups; and national and cross-national networks of local governments and professionals active in cultural policy. The article closes with some considerations on the findings and an identification of issues for subsequent research.