ABSTRACT
Against a background of economic globalisation, problems related to culture and cultures are becoming more and more a central topic of ethical consideration (Crane, 2002; Nederveen Pieterse, 2004, p.1). The globalisation-related exchange of goods, lifestyles, and ideas releases creativity. A vital cultural scene requires open spaces, likewise under market economy conditions. What is required is not just the opening, but also the sustaining of creative spaces within the economic field of action. A not yet clearly defined area appears to be forming in accordance with the concept of ‘cultural ethics’ (Ammicht-Quinn, 2002, p.258, 261), wherein those conflicts can be dealt with which can arise from ethical reflection on the diversity of cultures and subcultures, within the field of tension of economic vested interests. For example, tensions can result from the question to what extent culture and cultural goods should give themselves over to the free forces of the market. Regarding the assessment of the relationship between culture and the market, there are – on a global level – extremely varying and to some extent opposing views (Pauwels and Loisen, 2003).
