Achieving “Cluster Consciousness:” The Challenges of Defining and Nurturing a
Cultural Cluster in a Rural RegionPresented by:
Ivan EmkeGrenfell Campus – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Susan Drodge and Mark TierneyAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Introduction
The path we'll takeClusters and creative economiesOrigin theories
Photo courtesy of The Western Star
Rural
Where is rural in all of this?
"Urbanism" as a form of exclusion
Cultural policy ignored rural, andrural policy ignored culture
Photo: Neil Robbins
Is This a Cluster?
Cluster consciousnessActing as a clusterIdentity and cluster membership
Cultural Cluster Development in Western Newfoundland
Making the sectorvisible
Communicatingcommon interests
Fostering broaderlinkages
Photo courtesy of The Western Star
The Context
Regional demographics Regional economic overview Economic impact of the cultural sector Cultural assets
Source: http://www.gowesternnewfoundland.com/ Festival and Event Guide
A Role for Government
Opportunity-based Team Approach
Proactive Development of Opportunities
Early collaboration with emerging clusters
Photo courtesy of The Western Star Photo: Neil Robbins
What Have We Done?
Formal sector consultation with follow-up
Informal “kitchen” consultations
Opportunitydevelopment
Initiatives
From The First Round of Talks
Regional arts andculture marketing strategy
One-Stop Shop
Arts BusinessNetwork
Development ofGros Morne region as a cultural event destination and as a centre for professional development
Photo: Neil Robbins
To This
The Gros MorneCultural Blueprint
Arts Collective
Source: Rotary Arts Group
•Artists On-StopShop
•Rotary Arts Centre
Photo: Neil Robbins
Conclusion
Role of “outside” agencies in clusterdevelopment
The pitfalls of prescription
Lessons learned
Take risks
Get into thekitchens
Validate localculture
Network
Document
Photo: Neil Robbins
Questions?
Ivan EmkeGrenfell Campus – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Susan Drodge and Mark TierneyAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency