The role of culture in economic change and housing development in cities: the case of Philadelphia

Abstract

This presentation analyses the evolving role of culture in making urban policy and its close relationship with the external images projected by cities. It focuses on the specific case of Philadelphia (USA) and its evolution over the last 20 years. Thanks, to a large extent, to a decision to promote the arts, this city has managed to reinvent its image, revitalize its central area and convert itself into an increasingly popular tourist destination and place of residence for the so-called “creative class”. The conclusion drawn from this study is that culture should no longer be considered as simply an instrument for improving the image of the city. Culture has effectively become an objective in itself and can be used to attract new activities. On one hand, it can have a direct impact upon the local economy and attract visitors. On the other, the emergence of new influences governing industrial location have given cities offering cultural and artistic facilities a new source of competitive advantage.