Kulttuuriperintöyrittäjyys maaseudun voimavarana

Authors

• Maarit Grahn Turun yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33351/mt.107796

Keywords:

cultural heritage entrepreneurship, cultural heritage entrepreneur, rural entrepreneurship, rural tourism, cultural heritage processes

Abstract

Cultural heritage entrepreneurship as rural asset

This article investigates cultural heritage entrepreneurship in rural tourism development and in cultural heritage processes. I am interested in the characteristics of cultural heritage entrepreneurship, especially in the driving factors for starting a business as a cultural heritage entrepreneur, and in the ways the cultural heritage is utilized. Furthermore, I examine the role of the entrepreneurs in local cultural heritage processes. I study the phenomenon in the light of 10 entrepreneurs who run their businesses in Merikarvia, on the west coast of Finland. The research data of this qualitative study consists of thematic interviews with the entrepreneurs and observations concerning the activities of the entrepreneurs. The data was gathered in 2020. According to this study, there are different driving factors for starting a business as a cultural heritage entrepreneur. However, along with economic values, cultural values and sustainability are important criteria for every entrepreneur. Cultural heritage entrepreneur gets the inspiration from regional uniqueness that often consists of both cultural heritage and natural environment. The activities of cultural heritage entrepreneurs and the co-operation among other local actors are significant in building image and identity of the place and in developing rural tourism. Cultural heritage entrepreneurs also have an important role in cultural heritage processes along with other actors of cultural heritage, such as museums. The entrepreneurs make the heritage living, create visitor experiences, and in that way aim to maintain visitors’ interest in heritage and nature.