How do cities promote culture? Italian municipal cultural expenditure from 2001 to 2019

This study examines patterns of cultural expenditure across all the Italian municipalities from 2001 to 2019, analysing how cities promote culture through public spending. Using data from 8,207 municipalities, we investigate expenditure composition, temporal trends, and geographical variations. It examines how local governments allocate resources to cultural activities and infrastructures, considering capital and current expenses. Findings highlight significant disparities: larger cities dominate in absolute and per capita spending, while medium-sized municipalities allocate higher budget shares to culture. Some small towns, despite limited budgets, prioritize cultural investments, reflecting diverse local needs and priorities. A cluster analysis identifies four distinct spending patterns: small towns with low spending, large cities with high operational costs, tiny towns with high investment rates, and medium-sized cities with average expenditure. A geographic analysis reveals a clear North–South divide. These findings enhance our understanding of urban cultural policy and provide a foundation for future research on cultural governance.