I’m slowly becoming a fan of Createquity. Ian David Moss is helping me understand the differences between UK creative industry policy and American cultural policy, if there is one. He’s uploaded a neat analysis on cultural development and regeneration strategies. Read the full article when you have time but I’m taking away his concise analysis of two popular regeneration strategies.
Cultural Palaces
Cultural palaces are the top down installation of large art centers usually in city centers. Ian says “development by way of these “cultural palaces” suffers from significant downsides. For one thing, without further thought and investment toward guiding the surrounding neighborhood in a positive direction, these beautiful monuments to culture can turn into imposing, inaccessible behemoth structures that cater only to the car-driving rich. Since lively pedestrian traffic is the lifeblood of cultural districts, such a result signifies a missed opportunity to bring the investment to its full potential.”
Natural Districts
A second form of regeneration in the United States is based on a naturally occuring theory of subsidies to artists and surrounding districts. Ian describes these as “organically-occurring neighborhood hotspots for cultural activity are associated with numerous positive trends in their surrounding communities.”
His analysis raises a few recommendations for both communities that seem plausible. I’m not a big fan of the interchangeable and confusing use of the terminology “creative economy” when he is really addressing the “art economy” but I do welcome the leads and insights Ian provided.
Thanks Ian.
Thank you for the shout, Jay, and I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know as much UK creative industry policy as I should. I look forward to familiarizing myself with your lovely site here and hopefully learning some new things in the process. Keep up the good work,
Ian