Cultural economics as a field of research involves twoareas, culture and economy. These two areas have beentraditionally regarded as each other's antithesis. However,the economic aspects of culture have increasingly become amatter of everyday reality for persons working in thecultural field. The economy of culture has always been inthe focus of political interest. Political decisionsconcerning such priority areas as the development ofregional institutions, support to the artists and culturalprogrammes for children and youth have important economicimplications. This book deals with a range of topics incultural economics. It contains original papers byeconomists workingin the field from 15 different countriesand covers a host of both theoretical and practical issues,covering the performing arts, arts marketsand museums. Itrepresents an up-to-date statement of the application ofeconomic ideas to cultural questions.