Inclusion and equality in NRRP funding for cultural initiatives

This study explores how the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) addresses gender inclusion within cultural funding, focusing on Mission 1, Component 3 (M1C3). It investigates the extent to which equality principles are embedded in project calls and implementation guidelines, offering a critical reflection on the role of public funding in promoting inclusion within the cultural sector. A qualitative content analysis (QCA) is conducted on official regulatory documents, including the NRRP Official Instructions and the Ministry of Culture’s Implementation Guidelines. The analysis focuses on two key mechanisms: the Gender Workforce Report and the 30% hiring quota, assessing both formal compliance and practical challenges in implementation. This study offers an original contribution by linking gender inclusion to cultural funding within the NRRP framework, an area still underexplored in the literature. By examining how regulatory instruments support or constrain the practical implementation of gender equity, the study offers insight into the interplay between public investment, social policy, and cultural development. The analysis provides valuable insights for scholars and decision-makers interested in embedding inclusion within post-crisis recovery strategies. The study highlights the need to move beyond formal compliance by reinforcing monitoring and enforcement of gender equity measures in NRRP-funded cultural projects. Policymakers should introduce clearer evaluation criteria, link compliance to funding incentives, and simplify reporting procedures. Providing technical assistance to smaller organizations can reduce administrative burdens and promote more effective and inclusive participation in public funding opportunities.