State cultural policy through the prism of European experience and cross--border regional cooperation

It is analyzed how social and cultural and demographic transformations in the European region influence the tendencies of the state cultural policy. The correlation of elitist and mass culture, activity of the mass consumption society in the sphere of culture is considered. Comparison of general and excellent in the state cultural policy of Russia and European countries is given. The characteristics of the current state cultural policy in the European region, its individualization, variability and departure from mass ideology, militaristic and ideological intentions are emphasized. Attention is focused on the need to intensify regional cross-border cultural cooperation in the field of preserving natural and cultural heritage in the Baltic and northwestern regions of Russia.