Distinctiveness and Place: Culture and Creativity

Abstract

Culture is who we are and creativity shapes what we can become. So more people, more organizations, more towns, cities, regions and countries for more reasons are finding that culture and creativity has something in it for them, especially in the context of renewing their place, their economy and their urban life.

The bigger operating context in discussing the culture and creativity agenda shapes its scope and potential. Within this, the shifting dynamics between vortex cities—that suck in opportunity, talent and resources—and shrinking, struggling cities is key. However, as quality-of-life issues move more strongly to the fore, there is new potential for second-, third- and fourth-tier cities, as larger metro areas become more dysfunctional and digitization allows people to be easily connected. Overriding everything is digitization, the major driver of the new economy. Creativity is seen as a vital, renewable resource as it cannot be automated or robotized, and is seen as contributing well to complex, intractable problems or to creating opportunities.

The renewal of places, often anchored around a so-called creative district, and adapting a local economy at its core is a cultural project as it involves not only economic and physical transformation, but also a shift in mindset and perspective. To attract people, cities need to engage them in their renewal story. Cities on the move need a compelling story based on local distinctiveness and ambition to drive motivation and commitment, and artistically trained people are particularly good at storytelling. Here, using the skills of the creative economy sectors, music, the new media, design, performance and literary expression is important.

Cultural confidence is a vital force in transformation. It needs courage and resilience to gain the strength to respond, to look inward honestly and outward and beyond oneself and then to recognize that alone we can do less than when we work together, both locally and with our neighbours as well as our region. Together, there is more strength and this can trigger a dynamic where people say: ‘It is not OK to be OK’. This is the first sign of ambition and from that a vision of a place can emerge.

Writer and Urban Consultant. Creative City concept creator