Cultural cities, urban economic growth, and regional development: The role of creativity and cosmopolitan identity

Abstract

Cultural heritage has been recognized as fundamental for local development. In particular, some recent works have highlighted the role of sophisticated transmission channels of this relationship, that is local creativity and cosmopolitan identity. Following a territorial perspective, the present work aims at combining the two approaches, in the belief that there could be a synergic interplay between creativity and cosmopolitan identity, reinforcing their individual effects. Accordingly, an original conceptual and operational taxonomy characterizing cultural cities is put forward. The contribution of the different identified patterns to urban and regional growth is assessed, as well as their capacity to valorize cultural participation.

Cultural participation in Cultural and Creative Cities: Positive regional outcomes and potential congestion concerns

“…This adds forms of collective experience and relationality to the pure presence of cultural opportunities. Moreover, such an element is bound to lead to a more intentional and emotionally deep fruition of culture, enhancing its potential inspirational role in other dimensions of social life, including the economic one (Cerisola & Panzera, 2022). However, the positive economic consequences that could potentially develop-both directly and indirectlyfrom cultural engagement are scarcely investigated in the existing literature, especially in empirical terms.…”

“…This adds forms of collective experience and relationality to the pure presence of cultural opportunities. Moreover, such an element is bound to lead to a more intentional and emotionally deep fruition of culture, enhancing its potential inspirational role in other dimensions of social life, including the economic one (Cerisola & Panzera, 2022).…”

Should I stay or should I go: A dynamical model of musicians’ agglomeration and migration

“…Richards and Wilson (2004) found three aspect related to this phenomenon: The 'halo effect' (Hall 1992), 'feel-good effect' (Allen et al 2002), and the 'showcase effect' (Fredline and Faulkner 1998), which are mechanisms that transfer the aspects of a cultural event to the city that hosted it. Cerisola and Panzera (2022), as reported in Sect. 2, further observed that favouring creative activities fosters the economic and geographical development of a city with pulling effects.…”

“…In fact, even if the musicians' working environment is characterized by instability, moving to another city often offers to the musicians more learning, working and network developing opportunities. Nonetheless, the migration of musicians to and from a city contributes to the city's development (Cerisola and Panzera 2022), potentially enriching the musical products.…”

“…On the other hand, it is well known in literature (Bartleet et al 2020) and well displayed by international educational programs (European Commission and Directorate 2018), that for a young musician an abroad experience in an artistic vibrant city is crucial for a successful career development. Furthermore, a recent study by Cerisola and Panzera (2022) showed that promoting creative activities and occupations enhance the city's economic growth, by fostering the creation of new skills, the development of prosocial behavior and resilience. Finally, following Duranton and Puga (2004), the musicians' crowding can act as a signaling device (Spence 1973).…”