“So Rich, So Pretty” Cultural Policy as Urban Economic Development Strategy In American Cities

Abstract

Cities in search of effective economic development strategies often turn to cultural policy as a way to attract more tourism and Richard Florida’s valuable “Creative Class.” This thesis uses case studies of cultural policy used in New York City and Philadelphia to test against the hypothesis local government support for cultural institutions is a cost-effective tool for urban economic development in cities already rich in cultural assets and supporting resources, but is likely not the most cost effective economic development strategy (compared to other economic development strategies) for smaller cities with more limited resources and fewer existing cultural attractions to work with. I conclude that emphasis on cultural tourism as an urban economic development strategy is effective for cities with considerable cultural attractions in place, but will not necessarily translate into similar success for cities which are not similarly endowed. I recommend that smaller cities with fewer resources and residents conduct additional research to determine whether attracting and welcoming the Creative Class may be a better approach for them.