Structure of the Sphere of Cultural Consumption on the Example of Arkhangelsk and Its Social Significance

Introduction. In our opinion, one of the most important aspects of the potential of culture is the sphere of cultural consumption. The orientation towards the domestic cultural product as something original and native is increasingly emphasized throughout Russia. The process is slow, and not all cultural industries can meet the cultural needs of the population at their level. Methodology and sources. The study was conducted using a three-level methodology for classifying the components of socio-cultural space, developed in the Laboratory of Problems of Territorial Development of the FITSKIA Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with the participation of the authors of this article. Results and discussion. During the study, the structure of cultural consumption was analyzed based on the cultural needs of the population, as well as significant cultural events and institutions in Arkhangelsk. The average assessment of the degree of development of the cultural sphere of Arkhangelsk in the perception of informants was 4 points (out of five). Accessibility, awareness, and education can be identified as the main ways to raise the level of the cultural sphere in general and cultural consumption in the city, offered by informants. The most recognizable sights of Arkhangelsk, according to the informants, are Gostiny Dvory, Malye Kareli, the Monument to the Savior Seal, the High-rise (Building of design organizations), the Embankment of the Northern Dvina. Conclusion. Discussing what cultural events the city of Arkhangelsk lacks, a number of respondents noted that there are a lot of events and there is enough of everything, rather there is not enough media coverage and advertising. In addition, there was a shortage of cultural events in different districts of the city. Naming the most striking urban cultural events of the current year, most of the informants equally highlighted the Street Theater Festival and the White June Festival. Also, such events as Museum Night, City Day and Victory Day were the leaders in the ratings of the respondents. Among the most frequently visited institutions in the city, the Drama Theater ranks first and second in informants’ responses, while museums rank third (in general, without further specification).

Authors: Tatiana A. Blynskaia, Kristina O. Malinina

Direction: Sociology

Keywords: cultural consumption, socio-cultural space, cultural potential, cultural policy, consolidation of society, cultural sphere, cultural infrastructure, local identity

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