| This dissertation examines the growing phenomena of cultural districts as a strategy of urban development in the United States. Cultural districts are defined as a well-recognized and labeled area of a city with a high concentration of cultural facilities as the anchor of attraction. The area is generally geographically defined (usually less than 1100 blocks), and other land uses (such as hospitality, retail, office, and housing) are mixed in the area. Over 115 cities in the U.S. are currently planning or have implemented cultural districts. These spaces are variously labeled cultural district, arts district, cultural arts sector, arts and entertainment district, arts and science district, downtown cultural district, avenue of the arts, and artists' district; as well as more specialized labels such as theater district and museum district.; This thesis uses the grounded theory approach to explore this relatively undocumented phenomenon. The research, supported by a grant from the national service organization Americans for the Arts, included examination of cultural district documents, interviews with cultural district representatives, and site visits to cultural districts.; The result was the documentation of the formation and morphology of 20 cultural districts in the United States and a typology of their leadership. The primary leadership forces behind cultural district development have been local growth coalitions, arts organizations, and downtown business associations. All the cultural districts examined were created to revitalize a “blighted” area of the city, often in or near the central business district. Most of the districts focus on consumption—creating places for visitors to see events or purchase products. However, a small number of districts focus on the development of arts production spaces—places for artists and arts groups to produce their work through studios, rehearsal spaces, storage and administrative offices. Most cultural districts focus primarily on “high arts” activities, although some districts provide a range of arts and entertainment activities.; Cultural districts are examined from the perspective of the role of corporate capital and cultural capital in their development. A critique of the lack of consistent development across cultural districts is noted. Finally, questions and issues about cultural districts are proposed for further research. |
