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Divergent Paths in Regional Economic Development : A Tale of Two Festival Towns

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: This study compares how two small communities in rural settings tried to promote sustained economic development by capitalizing on local music festivals. Merritt, British Columbia, Canada, home to a large country music event, focused on place branding, marketing, and related entertainment initiatives. Hultsfred, Sweden, in contrast, used its iconic rock festival to create a year-round music industry cluster called RockCity. Our study argues that the alternative strategies reflect fundamental differences in economic development policies and governance structures. We subsequently question whether RockCity-like cluster initiatives are possible in the Canada without coordinated tools and programs for supporting cultural industries in small communities.

Source: Arca (British Columbia Electronic Library Network)

Authors: Ross Nelson, Patrik Ström, Jonas Bjälesjö

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Industries and Urban Development

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W560148945

FWCI: 1.554

Cites: 20

Cited by: 3

Related to: 10