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The impact of a public voucher for the arts

Author

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  • Baldin, Andrea
  • Marenzi, Anna
  • Zantomio, Francesca

Abstract

We provide novel evidence on the impact of a public voucher scheme for cultural consumption. The voucher was introduced in Italy in 2016 for citizens aged 18 years old. We use repeated cross-sections from the annual household survey ‘Aspects of Daily Life’ for the period 2013–2019 and combine Entropy Balancing with Difference-in-Difference estimation to assess the voucher causal effect on cultural consumption. We find a significant impact of the cultural voucher in fostering participation in cinema, non-classic concerts and reading books and online/e-books, with the effect driven by lower SES individuals. Overall, estimated effects suggest a less-than-total crowding out of public resources. The voucher also generated some spillover effects at the household level, and, in the case of cinema, resulted in a sustained higher consumption, even after the financial support terminated.

Suggested Citation

  • Baldin, Andrea & Marenzi, Anna & Zantomio, Francesca, 2025. "The impact of a public voucher for the arts," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:235:y:2025:i:c:s0167268125001891
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107070
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    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General
    • Z18 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Public Policy

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