The Issues of Defining and Classifying Cultural Centres

Abstract Research purpose. Cultural centres are multifunctional interdisciplinary cultural institutions that provide access to culture and a wide variety of services, promote citizen participation in culture, offer lifelong learning opportunities perform various other functions. phenomenon shared with many countries, especially former Soviet republics; however, although historically different models have also been developed Western the field has relatively little studied an academic setting. The aim this research is study problems defining classifying centres, identify most characteristic functions Europe suggest classification model based on centres. Design / Methodology Approach. design qualitative research. strategy uses methods - data extraction analysis following were used: comparative scientific literature, document as well secondary analysis. Qualitative content was used method Findings. Although literature review shows there no single definition characterization Europe, researchers generally three parameters characterize (regardless their legal form): multifunctionality (offer functions); socio-cultural aspect orientation towards local community; having building/technical equipment. author identified proposed chart four main dimensions centres: art/culture; education; leisure/recreation; social. Originality Value Practical implications. As result study, for laying ground further roles society. open new directions impact areas society: education, wellbeing, integration, community development, etc. results will be by Association Latvian Culture Centres development Latvia. partly within framework Dita Pfeifere’s doctoral thesis. They useful countries who conduct practical implication related Law Latvia, clarifying terminology law segmentation