The location patterns of artistic clusters: A metro- and neighborhood-level analysis

Grodach, Carl; Currid-Halkett, Elizabeth; Foster, Nicole; Murdoch, James

doi:10.1177/0042098013516523

Authors

Carl Grodach

Elizabeth Currid-Halkett

Nicole Foster

James Murdoch

Abstract

Analysing census and industry data at the metro and neighbourhood levels, this paper seeks to identify the location characteristics associated with artistic clusters and determine how these characteristics vary across different places. We find that the arts cannot be taken overall as an urban panacea, but rather that their impact is place-specific and policy ought to reflect these nuances. However, our work also finds that, paradoxically, the arts' role in developing metro economies is as highly underestimated as it is overgeneralised. While arts clusters exhibit unique industry, scale and place-specific attributes, we also find evidence that they cluster in 'innovation districts', suggesting they can play a larger role in economic development. To this end, our results raise important questions and point toward new approaches for arts-based urban development policy that look beyond a focus on the arts as amenities to consider the localised dynamics between the arts and other industries. © Urban Studies Journal Limited 2013.

Citation

Grodach, C., Currid-Halkett, E., Foster, N., & Murdoch, J. (2014). The location patterns of artistic clusters: A metro- and neighborhood-level analysis. Urban Studies, 51(13), 2822-2843. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098013516523

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Nov 11, 2013
Online Publication Date	Feb 10, 2014
Publication Date	Oct 1, 2014
Deposit Date	Feb 6, 2018
Journal	Urban Studies
Print ISSN	0042-0980
Electronic ISSN	1360-063X
Publisher	SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	51
Issue	13
Pages	2822-2843
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098013516523
Keywords	arts, arts policy, creative economy, economic development, industry cluster
Public URL	https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/824480
Publisher URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0042098013516523