> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Reference:: https://createquity.com/2014/05/nationalism-and-government-support-of-the-arts/ > Date:: 2025 > Tags:: #warp #SouthKorea > WeftLinks:: [[Cultural value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft strengthens relationships between members of a cultural group]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > In 1990s, the focus was cultural welfare, now it is soft power. ### Highlights Countries invest in the arts to build national identity and enhance their global image. China and Korea use cultural policies to promote their uniqueness and compete internationally, while Brazil focuses on social cohesion through innovative funding. In contrast, the U.S. provides minimal federal support for the arts, relying more on the private sector for cultural influence. >In 1973, Korea’s first five-year cultural plans stipulated new funding for culture, 70% of which was allocated for folk arts and traditional culture. Subsequent government administrations drafted their own national cultural plans, and by the 1980s the arts were more broadly included in goals to promote the excellence of the arts and foster contemporary art. By the 1990s, the advent of democracy shifted the focus to cultural welfare, where the arts are used to address social issues and enhance the nonmaterial aspects of life. Recently, however, its motives have changed. The government now looks to the arts to promote [soft power](http://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/britishcouncil.uk2/files/influence-and-attraction-report.pdf), national image building, and economic growth.