The Role of Cultural Institutions in the Redevelopment Plan Of Moscow

Moscow, a major economic and cultural hub in Russia, is one such location. It is also the largest city in Europe and one of the tourist destinations with the fastest population growth. It is an interior city with a high population and more than 40% of its area covered by vegetation. Given that it is home to several scientists, musicians, athletes, theaters, and educational institutions, the city can be considered the birthplace of Russian culture. This essay will look at the role that culture has played in Russia’s growth strategy. It will, therefore, consider into details the cultural practices and their economic value and later come to a conclusion. The study will be guided by the following questions:

To what extent is the city geared to the “symbolic” economy?

In the year 2011, the city adopted modernization and decentralization as new cultural policies, (Tomlinson, 33-40). This was a way of ensuring more contribution to the revenue that the government collects from cultural practices. Museums and galleries have also been updated to meet public demands. The Russian culture is rich since it has developed over a long period of time. The city started as a trading post on the Moskva River. The city is, therefore, rich in information about the economic growth since it has stood the test of economic imbalances. For instance, the city became the capital city after the Russian Revolution.

To what extent are the arts and culture employed as an economic development strategy?

Moscow is guided by the strategy of state investment in culture, whereby the government considers it worthy to invest and develop the cultural practices in the city. The investment is aimed at improving both domestic and international prestige. Unlike most countries, Russia supports its cultural development. The city is now adopting a strategy whereby grassroots diversity will be used to bring the people together as a way of celebrating diversity and also generating revenue more to the country, (Tung, 20-21). The cultural traits of Moscow serve as a backbone in economic strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. With an economic background, the city has been a great attraction to cultural activities that earn the government revenue.

Who owns the places where people gather and how are the spaces administered?

The places where people gather for social activities are owned by the public sector of the economy. For instance, some historic landmarks such as the Saint Basil’s Cathedral attract people due to its colorful domes, and it is not privately owned. The city is also in possession of the largest forest in an urban center at its border, which attracts viewers. Most places where people gather for leisure and also for other purposes such as schools are owned by the public. The government has got a clear plan which has ensured that the spaces are evenly distributed across the city. Therefore most of the cultural marks are under direct state control. The ministry of culture is involved in the administration and maintenance of the spaces. Museums such as Pushkin and Tretyakov Gallery are federally controlled together with most recreational centers, parks, concert halls and cinema halls, (Breward, 16).

How does the design of the spaces reflect concern for security and safety?

The ministry of culture has shown more safety concern to the public, especially those who uses the spaces. For example, the embankment of Moscow River is an area that is recently attracting many viewers. This was not the case about five years ago whereby taking a walk in the area was almost like a punishment. The roads were potholed, and there were stray dogs. The case is now different, and most people find it prestigious to take a walk around the embankment.

Who are the spaces designed to invite and who is kept out?

The spaces have been developed over the past few years to make them attractive to both the citizens and the international market. With the modernization, the spaces are now more fit for use during any season. The variety cafeterias and provision for sports attract more people.

Who are the beneficiaries of the development?

The citizens have greatly benefited through the Soviet control of the economically valuable cultural practices. The arts and gathering spaces are of a state benefit since it gives the government revenue. The Bolshoi Ballet attracts international attention which generates revenue for the government and also gives prestige to the citizens, (Alden 22-23).

However, the Russian culture has changed over time since the fall of the Soviet Union, but its contribution to the economy remains to be remarkable. The structural set up has not undergone much change, therefore maintaining a great contribution to the GDP.

Moscow’s place in the global network cities

The world today has turned into a global village, and any development in the cities is aimed at making is possible for them to network globally. The Internet has assisted in breaking the geographical barriers. However, Moscow city is no step behind in international development. The recent developments in the culture of the city over the past five years have led to more international interests in the city and also increased the city’s networking rate. With the current concern of security and safety, international tourists are more willing to visit the city. The city has grown its international orientation by modernization which has made it fit in the international standards. The city has no domestic competitors and therefore has adopted strategies that are geared at ensuring the city outshines most international competitors, (Bater, 22-22).

What role does Moscow city play in the world economy, politics and/or culture?

Moscow participates largely in the global economy unlike most cities in Russia which participate in the global economy only at small degrees. Moscow has made plans into place to be able to accommodate the international market. Most of its cultural practices such as sports require international participation which can only be done if the city raises its standards. The recent development in the city has made it possible for the above to take place. The tourist attraction sites in the city attract not only the citizens but also international markets. However, the ability of the city to take place as a global center is limited by the municipal politics. Its main responsibility is being a link between Central and Western Europe and Russia.

To what extent is Moscow characterized by a dual economy of high-skilled workers and low-wage service workers?

Moscow is not highly characterized with a dual economy, which should consist of highly skilled employees and low-wage service workers who can be considered as semi-skilled employees. A large portion of the population is literate, hence bridging the gap between skilled and unskilled labor. 43% of the population has a degree or higher education. Therefore, Moscow cannot be termed as an entire dual economy. Considering all the sectors of the economy, 5, 023, 000 people are working, with 2, 146, 000 working in the public sector while 2, 877, 000 work in the private sector. 29% of the population work in the small business sector and only about 64,000 are unemployed, (Chenet, 20-23). The above figures show that a large section of the population is high-skilled workers and the low-income workers are semi-skilled workers.

What is the future of Moscow?

There is a likelihood of more growth in the differences between Moscow and other cities in Russia. This poses a danger in the national contribution of the cities since Moscow might be able to interact more easily with external cities. The numbers of public and municipal enterprises are likely to reduce over the years. More private companies will also emerge p, hence more employment rate. The number of employees working for the public sector reduce from 73% to 42% for the period between 1992 and 1995, ( Sokolov, 55-65). The change is likely to repeat itself over the years, although at a smaller rate. This means private sector will contribute more to the economy of the city, as compared to the public sector. Small scale entrepreneurs and family businesses will increase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moscow is a major pillar in the global economy. The adoption of modernization strategies has significantly contributed to the cultural improvement of the city. The city has adequate financial and manpower resources required to sustain and improve its contribution to its national and international markets

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