Using culture in local development to increase wellbeing

This research was conducted by Annie Tubadji, Brian J. Osoba and Peter Nijkamp at the University of the Aegean, Greece, Central Connecticut State University, USA and VU University, The Netherlands

Summary

This paper explored the link between culture and regional development the US. The study aimed to expand the ‘culture-based development’ model and create a framework for investigating the triple bond of arts:culture:socio-economic development in relation to productivity and social well-being. Results show that local cultural vitality is dependent on the level of local welfare. However, they also demonstrate that cultural experiences and consumption play a significant role in correcting local social problems, such as crime. The results obtained for the USA were consistent with previous findings for the EU.

This paper looked at the interaction of arts, culture and economic growth

In the European Union context, the culture-based development model has defined ‘living culture’ and ‘cultural heritage’ as the two forms of cultural capital that are connected in the decision-making processes relating to local planning. The paper examined whether these findings also hold true for the United States.

The research was based on data from five different sources

These included the USA 2000 Census, the Western States Arts Federation and their Creative Vitality Index at a county level for 2006, the USA National Register for Historic Places, data on happiness from the American General Social Survey for 2006, and data on the local climate from the National Climatic Data Center of the United States.

The data presented in this paper is useful for local authorities and arts organisations because it explains the interactions between culture (both living culture and heritage), consumption and development.

This summary is by Paula Serafini, King’s Knowledge Exchange Associate