| Abstract: | Stimulated by the economic theories of Richard Florida (2005), the City of
Tampa established the Office of Creative Industries (OCI) to oversee efforts to
strengthen the presence and visibility of “the arts.” This thesis presents ethnographic
research focused on practices, and perspectives among members of the OCI’s
service population. From July 2006 to July 2007, I conducted fieldwork among a
diverse group of stakeholders possessing a unique connection to the aims of the OCI.
The central problem addressed in this research looks at the degree to which cultural
change occurs from participatory, grass-roots initiatives, rather than ones emanating
from “the top” based on the economic concerns derived from largely quantitative
approaches. The experiences and perspectives presented in this thesis provide a rich
qualitative picture of cultural production in Tampa. While exploratory in nature, this
research reveals some key considerations for city governments concerning cultural
policy. This thesis concludes with discussion of theoretical and methodological
implications of findings and calls for practice oriented approaches within urban
development settings.
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