Municipalities that adopt culture as an industry have gained positive economic benefits for their communities. Cultural industries create job growth, turn ordinary cities into “destination cities,” create interconnections between arts and business, revitalize urban areas, attract skilled workers, and create spin-off businesses.In this assignment you are to profile and analyze a Canadian urban community, focusing on its actual and potential use of culture as a tool of economic and community development. For your case history choose one of the following cities: Victoria (British Columbia), Winnipeg (Manitoba), Ottawa (Ontario).

In writing your paper, consider the following questions:

How has the economy of the city changed in recent decades? Has the city witnessed a loss of manufacturing or other key sources of employment? How has the population changed? Has it become more diverse? More or less stratified? What are the main sources of employment? Are there local sports teams of note? Are there any major shopping centers or malls? Is the downtown core thriving or struggling?

What strategies have city politicians and planners undertaken to protect or revive the local economy? To what degree can this be described as a ‘culture-led regeneration’? Which of following tools have been employed: flagship museums and art galleries; sports stadiums/arenas; spectacular architecture; waterfront redevelopment; music, film, food or other festivals; performing arts centers; arts or ethnic districts? Are these meant to serve the local community and/or out-of-town visitors?

Are there public-private partnerships? If so, what form have they taken?

Has the city adopted a ‘creative class’ strategy, as described by Richard Florida? For example, has it encouraged the growth of ‘edgy’ neighbourhoods with a lively street life?

Does the city have a formal urban cultural policy or plan? Does it have a local government agency/department dedicated to arts and culture? If so, is this separate or part of another municipal department e.g. parks & recreation; tourism and economic development?

Is there a downside to these official efforts to promote tourism economic growth and development? For example, have they encouraged gentrification, thereby marginalizing some in the community? Have there been any political tensions or opposition to city cultural policy?

If you were in charge of planning in the city what strategies would you undertake? Are there any cities among those featured in the class lectures or readings that might serve as an inspiration or model for an arts/culture-led development initiative in the city that you are profiling?

Note

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