Cultural work, participation and the underlying networks of actors in rural regions are a central component of public services and contribute to quality of life, social cohesion, and educational equity (Le & Kolleck, 2022; Fobel & Kolleck, 2021). This study examines how cultural networks are structured in three rural regions in Germany and which cultural, social, and economic potentials and challenges can be derived from the regional cultural profiles. The aim is to develop strategic approaches for sustainable and future-oriented cultural work in rural areas based on these regional cultural profiles, thus safeguarding cultural education. Both endogenous factors such as local actors and engagement, as well as exogenous influencing factors such as political frameworks and external networks, are considered in order to comprehensively understand the interplay and impacts on cultural work.

In the sample of this qualitative case study n = 3 different rural communities in Germany are involved. The study features participatory network analyses and focus group interviews were conducted with nine practitioners from each community, including various stakeholders form the cultural sector. This selection ensured diverse perspectives on the cultural process and thus a vibrant cultural life in rural areas. Network analysis: Each participant was asked to map their individual networks of cultural actors and connetions. These were then combined into a comprehensive network using the gephi program to visualize the key actors (nodes) and structural connections and relationships (edges) within the overall cultural network of the respective region. Focus group interviews: The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Categories were developed both deductively and inductively. Main categories are endogenous and exogenous factors. Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of social, cultural and economic capital are helping to further differentiate both endogenous and exogenous factors and enables a deeper understanding of the structural conditions that influence co-creative cultural work. Bourdieu’s capitals are inductively differentiated: Within the endogenous factors, for instance, local engagement and local venues were found as subcategories. Within the exogenous factors, for example, political frameworks, funding mechanisms and regional networks were identified as subcategories.

The study aims to provide insights into the networks and structural characteristics of cultural work in rural regions and identifies key potential and challenges. While local networks are perceived as a major strength, a pressing problem emerges in all three regions: the heavy reliance on aging volunteers and the lack of generational renewal threaten the long-term stability of cultural offerings. The structural anchoring of cooperation between cultural actors, early childhood education institutions, and schools proves to be a strategic response. Such partnerships open up prospects for participatory cultural work that engages young people and contributes to the long-term renewal of volunteerism. The results suggest a paradigm shift: away from ad hoc cultural funding and toward sustainable, cross-sectoral cooperation. This combines regional value creation with goals oriented toward the common good and offers a sustainable approach for the development of cultural life in rural areas.

Fobel, L., & Kolleck, N. (2021). Regional patterns of access and participation in non-formal cultural education in Germany. Education Sciences, 12(1), 13. Trang Le, T. H., & Kolleck, N. (2022). The power of places in building cultural and arts education networks and cooperation in rural areas. Social Inclusion, 10(3), 284-294.