Cultural Economic Development Policy in Hackney and Lewisham: A Comparative Study
Building on previous research in Massachusetts, this project focuses on examining local government initiatives in cultural economic development in London boroughs of Lewisham and Hackney. The study explores the role of government in enhancing the cultural and creative industries, aiming to contribute to more effective cultural policies and teaching materials. Findings suggest borough leaders act as facilitators, enablers, and brokers in supporting cultural sector growth.
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2014 CHADWICK FELLOWSHIP: Cultural Economic Development Policy in Hackney and Lewisham (London, UK) Richard G Maloney, PhD Director ad interim, Arts Administration Graduate Program
The Project Building on previous research I conducted in cities and towns in Massachusetts, I traveled to London to interview local government officials and cultural administrators to better understand the creation, development, and outcomes of local cultural economic development initiatives in the boroughs of Lewisham and Hackney. Specifically, I am interested in the role local government plays in helping (or hindering) the local cultural and creative industries This project enabled me to incorporate a comparative perspective into my work and generated original research that will potentially help policy makers construct more effective cultural policies. I have also been able to use my experience to develop new teaching materials for my classes.
A Little Background What is Cultural Economic Development? Government (and their partners) invest in the cultural industries to encourage the development of additional cultural activities, products, and services to stimulate local demand, fulfill the needs of tourists (export), improve the quality of life of local residents, and stimulate other sectors of the economy. What are the Creative and Cultural Industries? Those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent which have a potential for job and wealth creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property (Department of Culture, Media and Sport, UK, 2001). Advertising, architecture, art and antiques, computer games, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, music, visual and performing arts, publishing, software, TV and radio. (Department of Culture, Media and Sport, UK, 2006) Why is this important to study now? As state and federal aid has diminished, municipal leaders are seeking to identify undeveloped local assets which can be leveraged to attract or develop rapidly growing industries. In the eyes of many city planners and economic development officers, the creative and cultural industries have emerged as a potential local asset which is, in many cases, ready to be developed. Why do we need to understand how it works? Studying attempts to use culture as a local economic and community revitalization tool produces insights that can help local leaders (government officials, urban planners, arts administrators, and members of the business community) design effective public policies and improve the quality of life of local residents.
Findings Borough leaders tend to act as: Facilitators providing opportunities to artists to allow the cultural sector to flourish. Help artists locate studio space, housing, places to exhibit and/or perform, and help them start commercial arts business Enablers nurturing and supporting the overall cultural sector Brokers developing and supporting partnerships among cultural producers, government agencies, and the private sector
Findings (cont) In London, unlike in Massachusetts, it is well accepted that the cultural and creative industries can play a major role in the local economy Cultural and creative industries have replaced manufacturing as the prime industry in the borough and the economic impact of this sector should not be underestimated (Creative Hackney, p 8) In Hackney and Lewisham, local government plays a far more active role in developing cultural initiatives and supporting artists than in Massachusetts The 2012 Olympics in London enabled both communities to increase their support for the cultural industries as part of the Cultural Olympics program (will Boston do the same if selected for 2024?) With the recent rapid increase in London housing prices, local government is actively working with developers to prevent local artists from being priced out of their neighborhoods. However, this is a difficult problem and local government has not always been able to resolve these issues successfully.
