in triggering a better communication between stakeholders, whilst enhancing
member’s competencies in European projects participation. Practical ways of
cooperating have been explored as regards solutions to tackle issues faced by SMSC
in Europe such as how to preserve local identity and innovate in artistic creation, to
breathe new life into decaying areas, to encourage citizens’ participation, attract
tourists to small cities, etc.
Based on CreArt cities experiences in running cultural activities and the exchange
of good practices to promote artistic creativity, the present study proposes a set of
recommendations to overcome the barriers that are normally experienced at the
local level and to succeed in the design and implementation of cultural projects for
local development.
Recommendations
These recommendations have been elaborated to make the most of culture-led
development in SMSC and to overcome various obstacles identified by CreArt
partners from their experience and involvement in cultural projects and local
strategies as well as in taking part in such network of cities for artistic creation.
1. Design tailored plans for the local context
First of all, cultural initiatives are successful when embedded in the local context.
Adopting an integrated approach based on the local amenities and priorities for the
territory is therefore of paramount importance when it comes to designing artistic
projects and culture-based strategies for the city.
To do so, previous research is encouraged so as to set up realistic goals as regards
resources available but also importantly to meet the characteristics and needs of the
creative community and the targeted audience. Knowing the artistic fabric of the city,
how creatives work, where and with whom, will ensure the project to be helpful for
them and fully get them on board. Having knowledge of the socio-demographical
characteristics of the population as well as its habits and expectations in terms of
cultural offer will allow better participation, attendance and fruitful outcomes of the
project in terms of critical mass, individual and community development.
Playing on local assets, cultural (heritage, artistic scene, traditions etc.) and non-cultural
(such as preserved landscape, quiet pace of life, low level of pollution and congestion,
dynamism of the local life) is essential to build up creative projects or a cultural policy.
As documented in previous chapters, small and medium sized-cities feature specific
characteristics that are particularly relevant for culture-led development approaches.
In addition to the distinctive character of the place, they enjoy a good quality of life
that is attractive to creative people, thanks among others to social proximity, a
preserved environment and affordability of housing and work spaces.Thus building
upon their uniqueness, cities can make the most of their local resources that range
from heritage, to cultural identity, to quality of life, real estate, networks of actors etc.
in order to nurture their local creative ecosystem.
However, to maximise the potential of local assets to foster artistic creation and a
creative economy in the city, cultural investment should not be isolated but rather
71
