Transformation of public spaces as a priority of Moscow cultural policy

The study deals with the problematic changes of cultural policy in Moscow. The research showed that Moscow became the pilot area where both new models of urban governance and the latest approaches to cultural policy were applied. This included the delegation of powers to manage cultural process to local authorities, the development of cultural sites under their own steam, better integration of culture with the economic and social sectors. This process is demonstrated on the basis of the transformation of public spaces such as parks, pedestrian zones, boulevards. The common urban challenges and the aspects of cultural policy are identified and described. The author distinguishes and considers the levels of cultural policy activities aimed at updating the urban community and developing its identity.