ABSTRACT
This chapter from the perspective of contemporary Macedonian development processes, investigates both how culture participates in and contributes to processes of sustainable development and how culture itself can be sustainable. It aims to explore possible approaches to integrate culture in local sustainable development through an analysis of cultural practices that can embody and propel strategies for ensuring social inclusion and sustainable economic growth in small and mediumsized towns and cities like Strumica. The chapter encompasses two different perspectives: the role of culture in sustainable development and the sustainability of cultural practices. It contends that a well-designed cultural programme can develop local knowledge, talents, and ideas that contribute to higher quality of everyday life for residents and, ultimately, to the city's ongoing sustainability. Cultural practices in Strumica show that, in addition to the known and established cultural professions new and equally important professions are emerging, such as craftspeople, caterers, managers, and so forth.
