Liechtenstein/ 1. Historical perspective: cultural policies and instruments  

The Princely Collections rank among the most outstanding private art collections in the world. For many years, anyone speaking of culture in the small country of Liechtenstein was referring to these treasures of European art, which span five centuries. Culture as experienced in everyday life by the inhabitants of this Catholic country, one that was still a poor agricultural society at the onset of the 20th century, was part of the Christian tradition. Religion constituted the foundation of culture.

Not until Liechtenstein's economy rapidly caught up with modernisation following the Second World War did a true cultural landscape begin to develop. Whereas the roots of the Princely Collections lie in the Baroque ideal encompassing princely patronage of the arts, today, representatives from the Liechtenstein private sector also promote art and culture in its entire scope. The state cultural policy had its inception in the 1960s and 1970s as a consequence of private initiatives. Today, the state plays a key role in supporting the rich cultural life on four levels: internationally within Europe, nationally in the Rhine Valley region, and within the country's eleven villages.

The year 2008 represents a new milestone in Liechtenstein's cultural policy. A modern law both reinforces and simplifies the state's cultural mandate. With the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation, a central institution is now assuming responsibility for the advancement of private cultural activities. Culture at the onset of the 21st century is interpreted in a contemporary manner and includes folk culture, science, heritage, museums and exhibitions in addition to music, the fine arts, literature, architecture, theatre, dance and film. Furthermore, 2008 is the year of the second Cultural Congress - the first having taken place in 2000 - with the goal of continuing to stimulate cultural policy discussion and cultural development.

The state provides funding for artists, cultural projects and cooperative activities, and also assumes the responsibility for public institutions - the Music School, the School of Fine Arts - both established through private initiatives - the National Library, the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the National Museum. This oldest cultural facility owes it founding to the Historical Society, which, beginning with its establishment in 1901, extensively shaped the cultural development during the 20th century. The Society is also the initiator for maintaining cultural assets and championing historic preservation - the bridges connecting us to the past. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs is currently drafting modern legislation to promote the preservation of cultural assets.

The acknowledgment of culture's great impact on humanity and society as a whole shapes Liechtenstein's cultural policy. This is similarly reflected in the profile of the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, which specifically targets topics dealing with the contemporary attitude towards life within Europe. This national gallery presents international works of art while at the same time, in its function as a regional museum, emphasising the cultural wealth of the Rhine Valley region.

In 2000, private donors presented the country with the Kunstmuseum. On display are works from the Collections of the Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein as well as from the State Art Collections - established in 1967 - which, with their works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, create a chronologic link to the Collections of the Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. Paintings by Ferdinand Nigg are included in the collection, the Liechtenstein pioneer and recluse, who produced his works in Germany, who joins other major names associated with the Classic Modern period.

In 2000, a spirit of cultural optimism reigned: Liechtenstein put cultural diversity on view at Expo 2000 in Hanover and participated in the Europe-wide project Literature Express Europe 2000. In the 1990s, cultural activities increased by leaps and bounds: The Symphony Orchestra, the Musical Company and the International Guitar Days were introduced. Professionals in fine arts, music, literature, theatre and dance redoubled their creative efforts and Liechtenstein books made their debut at the Frankfurt and Leipzig German-language book fairs. From 1964 to 2007, cultural promotion has been under the aegis of the Cultural Advisory Council, providing impetus for numerous cultural projects. It functioned in an advisory capacity to the government during the drafting of the Cultural Promotion Act of 1990, which ensures free artistic expression for every person in the country.

Since 1999, the Office of Cultural Affairs has coordinated the various governmental responsibilities relating to Liechtenstein cultural issues. It advises the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, implements projects and represents Liechtenstein in international and regional commissions. In its function as the operational centre for the country's regional and international engagement, it is active in the cultural commissions at the Council of Europe, EFTA / EEA and the International Lake Constance Conference. International cultural exchange, as well as public cultural policy, plays an ever-increasing role in Liechtenstein's foreign policy. Experts are currently elaborating a concept for the country's future cultural foreign policy.

In Liechtenstein, as in other small countries, culture is considered a significant component of the national identity.