Open Collections

Abstract

This research is conducted on behalf of the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) and City Studio in order to assess the strength of the relationship between spatial proximity and number of annual creative alliances across firms. In this analysis of Vancouver’s arts and culture industry, I examine the strength and types of human capital networks present in the False Creek region in relation to geographic region. This formerly industrial area has been encroached upon by real estate and high end development. Development is threatening existing businesses in the area, particularly arts and culture businesses with low rates of revenue. Vancouver Opera and Great Northern Way Scene Shop are the basis for this study, and are considered ‘hot spots’ for the industry, as they appear to be central to the operations of the local arts and culture scene. Types of firms and number of annual contracts or alliances are mapped between the following types of businesses: private, public, non-profit, freelancer, and small-firm networks. It is found that the contracts and alliances are predominantly local, with 75% of the firms residing in the Vancouver-Metro area. Vancouver Opera and Great Northern Way Scene Shop make it a priority to hire local artists or work for local firms, but it is not always financially feasible. Through increasing project opportunities and connections between different types of firms or businesses this strengthens the arts and culture community in the False Creek Flats. The VEC can maintain inner city growth of the arts and culture sector by establishing zoning laws that allow for industrial processes to continue alongside residential development. I suggest that this can be done through mixed use spaces and buildings which favour arts and culture businesses as tenants, and having artists or other individuals who work in the sector to reside in the other parts of the building. This would lower carbon emissions due to decreased transport, and would also support the expansion of a vibrant ‘green’ arts community.