[Nettime-nl] The Bright and Dark Sides of the Creative City (lezing & discussie, vanmiddag)

[Patrice Riemens <patrice@xs4all.nl>]

Door Marco Bontje (UvA/AMIDSt) en Patrice Riemens (Waag Society)

http://www.fmg.uva.nl/amidst/home.cfm (eerste bericht)

Locatie:
UvA Roeterseiland - Building C - J. H. van t Hoff-building
Nieuwe Achtergracht 127
1018 WS  Amsterdam
Zaal:  C2.03

Blurb:

Throughout history, cities have always been centres of creativity, and 
creativity has always played a major role in economic development 
throughout the world. In recent years, however, it would appear that 
creativity has become more important than ever for economic growth. 
Especially large cities in Europe and North America are enthusiastically 
developing policies to attract creative industries by facilitating 
creative talent. Many cities are very eager to follow the 'creative city 
formula' of 'gurus' like Florida and Landry and expect to become more 
successful and competitive in that way. 

Parallel to this, 'creative cities' have become a popular debating topic 
in the social sciences as well. Especially Florida has become a favourite 
target of critical scientists. His theory and empirical evidence are far 
from convincing. Beyond scientific validity, Florida's success among local 
policy-makers also raises many fundamental societal questions. To mention 
but a few: 

- Will a creative city only be developed for those with the 
highest education, highest income and best networks, or can it be a 'city 
for all'? 

- Is the enthusiasm of city fathers for the 'creative city' 
concept genuine, or is it a disingenuous ploy to escape their burdensome 
responsibilities with respect to increasingly 'unmanageable' urban 
problems like (public) housing, health, transport, education, not to 
mention poverty, race relations and political extremism? 

and:

- Are creative talents and companies indeed attracted by a creative city 
policy, or would they prefer as little policy intervention as possible?

- Is the 'creative city' concept as we know it a purely North American and 
European phenomenon, or does a 'non-Western' variant exist as well, as can 
possibly be seen in India and China for instance?


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