Measuring Intrinsic Value by Hasan Bakhshi, Alan Freeman & Graham Hitchen (2009)

Written by Hasan Bakhshi, Alan Freeman and Graham Hitchen

This paper seeks to transcend entrenched misunderstandings between economics and arts policymaking. These misunderstandings, which have long dogged discussion on arts funding in the UK, tend to manifest themselves in the long-running debate about 'instrumental’ and 'intrinsic’ approaches to public expenditure on culture and the arts. This paper argues that the reluctance to use rigorous economic methods has hindered rather than helped the case for the arts, and offers a provocative reconsideration of the outdated and poorly-informed prejudices which lie behind this reluctance. It seeks to demonstrate how economics can provide the tools to 'measure' and validate the intrinsic value of art, and to do so in a way which is commensurable with other measures of value for other calls on the public purse.

Here are some thoughts and comments from early readers: "I really enjoyed reading the "measuring intrinsic value" paper. It's the first paper I've ever read which begins to argue the case for the arts in a way that I understand and can support. I hope you are circulating it to all local authority Arts/Cultural Officers and at the same time suggesting a methodology for local surveys." - Ray Dinsdale, Board Member, Cultivate East Midlands "This is an excellent paper .....Very clear and cogent, and a significant step forward." - Bill Sharpe, Independent researcher in science, technology and society "Hasan, Graham and Alan have produced in this paper a timely and interesting argument about how economics can account for the so-called 'intrinsic value' of the arts and culture. Developments in cultural economics are not widely understood either by economists or by many working in the arts. This report brings new thinking and a fresh approach. I recommend reading it' - John Holden And do please share your comments and feedback below

Measuring Intrinsic Value - Hasan Bakhshi, Alan Freeman + Graham Hitchen (2009)