'Culture' and 'cultural policy' are both very dynamic and complex terms. As far as cultural policy and cultural governance are concerned, this study has provided us with an insight both at theoretical and at empirical level. The thesis adopts a structured and systematic approach to cultural policy research to produce meaningful results for the case of Cyprus. Therefore the main scope of this study centres on formulating a policy framework for a new model of music policy for Cyprus on the basis of reforms in the cultural governance system. This study is based on an in-depth qualitative research. The specific methods of bibliographical research, comparative study of selected models of music policy in other European countries and semi-structured interviews have been employed. Furthermore, due to the dynamic and evolving area of the investigated topic, this study incorporates some elements of action research and is also based on a grounded theory approach. On the basis of the results derived from this study, a new model of cultural governance for the case of Cyprus has been formulated in a systematic way, through the proposal of: (i) a structured context for strategic cultural planning; (ii) modernisation of cultural governance structures; (iii) modernisation and improvement of the funding system. The thesis shows that the co-ordinating role of the State in mobilising all the key partners involved, especially in the case of Cyprus, is important for the successful implementation of the proposed reforms in the cultural governance structures. In this respect, the political aspiration and the rhetoric for the creation of a Unified Authority for Culture are taken into account and concrete proposals are provided by this research. On the basis of the results of this study, a Unified Authority for Culture is proposed to be a governmental body dealing mostly with strategic cultural planning, as well as monitoring and evaluation as far as the implementation of cultural policies is concerned. Due to the small size of Cyprus, the Unified Authority for Culture, where deemed necessary, will acquire an interplay role between the national institutions and the local partners involved, in order to secure sufficient cultural co-operation and interaction amongst all the major key players. Synergies will be further sought through the work of the various Ministries which are considered as important actors in terms of developing sector-specific policies for the successful implementation of the national cultural strategy. The latter is expected to be developed by the Unified Authority for Culture, based on wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders. It will be revised periodically so that new needs and developments are taken into consideration. The thesis also concludes that the current cornerstones of the music policy agenda, are centred upon two unifying policy themes - the provision of music education and the promotion and support for local talent and creativity. The aforementioned unifying policy themes bring creativity issues to light. On the basis of this context and by taking into account relevant policy implications, this study provides us with a framework for a new music policy model for Cyprus. It is therefore suggested that there are certain thematic policy areas that need to be further investigated. These policy areas can be summarised in the following broader issues: music education and community outreach cultural activities, fostering creativity through increased opportunities for musicians for career development, developing the music industry, national music infrastructure and networks of music institutions. It should be noted that the contextual nature of the investigated topic has been taken into account all throughout this research. It is for this reason important to note that despite the fact that this research proposes a structured approach to formulating a new cultural governance model, the proposed reforms should be revised periodically in order to better reflect any future developments in Cyprus. In carrying out this study there were certain limitations particularly because cultural policy and governance in the case of Cyprus had not been researched before and therefore there was a lack of statistical data and information. Nevertheless, it is perhaps for this very reason that this study's contribution to knowledge might be regarded as important. This work makes a further significant contribution to knowledge in that it tries to identify links and interconnections of the researched field with other policy areas. This study is thus an attempt to link horizontal issues and policy concerns to sector specific policies with the aim of fostering synergies and coherent approaches. This might in fact be the distinctive feature of this thesis, as work in the field of cultural policy research is either of a generic nature, based on general policy considerations, or of a very narrow nature, based on specific policy implications for particular art forms.