� 1 Increased Expectations for the Promotion of Culture, and Cultural Policy
4. Future Directions of Cultural Policy
(2) Enrichment of budget and tax systems for promoting culture
Although both local and national governments suffered from insufficient funds for cultural promotion since the first half of the l980's,the recent trend has been to increase funding in this area. As people continue to display an ever greater interest in the area of culture, the further enrichment of budgets available for cultural promotion will continue to bean important task.
On the other hand, the national government has established "The Japan Arts Fund" and local governments have set up various promotional funds for art and culture. Furthermore, against the backdrop of a growing consciousness of the need for social contribution on the part of the private sector, private firms and organizations have been actively supporting artistic and cultural activities. The term "mecenat movement" now enjoys common use. The cause of this movement can be further advanced through the promotion of an understanding of the importance of culture on the part of private firms and by the use of tax incentives to actively encourage their positive support.
