Institutional Transformations and Barriers to the Growth of Cultural Institutions

The system of cultural institutions plays an important role in preserving cultural heritage, improving the cultural environment of communities and regions, shaping spiritual values, organizing leisure activities, and developing visitors’ creative abilities. In the context of rapid changes across all spheres of society under the influence of new technologies, social processes, and globalization, the activities of cultural institutions also require transformation. The empirical foundation of the article is based on a survey of employees of municipal institutions conducted at the request of the Committee for Culture of the Ulan- Ude City Administration. The article presents an assessment of the potential of cultural institutions and their readiness for change in society, and highlights the significant role of professionally trained personnel in transformation processes. The article reflects on current trends emerging in urban culture and identifies the factors that constrain the realization of its potential.