Creativity in rural development: an Australian response to Florida (or a view from the fringe)

Abstract

The role of creativity in place development is contentious. Florida’s work on the creative class has achieved cult status among some academics, but is excoriated by others. I am one of those who are convinced of the large and growing role of creative people in economic and social development, but who dissents from major sections of Florida’s analysis, especially his profound urban bias. This article explains why I believe that creativity is crucial for regional development, a view that other academic geographers hold and explores the weaknesses of Florida’s urban bias. The first task is fundamental for an exploration of the latter.