Cultural Participation in Cartagena, Colombia, 2008 – 2013

Abstract

This paper analyzes empirically the factors associated with the decision to participate in the cultural activities in Cartagena, Colombia, in the period 2008 – 2013. We evaluate the effects of a set of household variables, such as location, socioeconomic status, presence of children, years of residence. Objective and subjective indicators of poverty are evaluated, as well as environmental variables captured by the availability of parks, objective measures of security and social capital. Using data at the household level, the results are presented by activity according to whether it is assimilated to a public good (traditional festivals and historical sites) or those that pass through the market, such as attending movies and reading books. The paper contributes to the existing literature on the economics of culture in Colombia, by adding to the traditional approach of the determinants of cultural participation a set of structural factors, whereby the effects of context are captured and inputs are provided for decision-making to improve the targeting of cultural policies.