Zhodnocení kulturní infrastruktury na území Olomouckého kraje

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is the evaluation of public funding for cultural infrastructure in the Czech Republic, with a particular focus on the Olomouc Region. The theoretical part defines culture as a public good with significant positive externalities and examines the economic aspects of cultural policies, including the characteristics of cultural services and models of their financing. In the practical part, quantitative statistical methods (t-tests, χ² tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, data standardization, and Z-index calculations) are used to assess the availability and distribution of cultural infrastructure at both the regional and national levels. The research demonstrated that cultural infrastructure in the Czech Republic is not evenly distributed and reflects regional disparities in expenditures, attendance, and infrastructural background. The capital city of Prague was identified as the cultural hub of the country. Within the Olomouc Region, cities such as Olomouc, Šumperk, Šternberk, and Jeseník show the highest concentration of cultural activities and can be considered regional or local cultural centers. Conversely, cities such as Prostějov and Přerov lag behind, likely due to their proximity to the regional capital and interconnected settlement structure. The thesis highlights the importance of strategic cultural planning and recommends improvements in systemic funding, targeted support for peripheral areas, and active data collection and utilization for the development, implementation, and evaluation of cultural policies.