Making Connections: creative industries networks in outer-suburban locations

Abstract

The role of networks and their contribution to sustaining and developing creative industries is well documented. This article argues that although networks operate across geographical boundaries, particularly through the use of communication technologies, the majority of studies have focused on the ways in which networks operate in (a) specific inner-urban metropolitan regions or (b) specific industries. Such studies are informed by the geographical mindset of creative city proponents in which inner-urban precincts are seen as the prime location for creative industries activity, business development and opportunity. But what of those creative industries situated beyond the inner city? Evidence in Australia suggests there is increasing creative industries activity beyond the inner city, in outer-suburban and ex-urban areas. This article identifies characteristics of creative industries networks in outer-suburban locations in Melbourne and Brisbane drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork. It argues that supporting and sustaining creative industries networks in these locations may require different strategies than those applied to inner-city networks.

Keywords:

• Networks
• outer suburban
• creative industries
• spatial proximity
• business development
• clusters

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Australian Research Council and QUT for their support. Grant code: DP0877133.

Notes

1. See Coe (2000) on the difference between social, cultural, professional, and familial networks.

2. This article focuses on creative industries workers who work in outer suburbia, not on creative industries workers who live in outer suburbia but work elsewhere.

3. The data are combined with the CINMP categories of creative industries; see p. 63 of this issue for categories.

4. For ethical reasons, participants’ names have been changed.

5. Higgs et al. (2007).

6. http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/creative_industries/default.aspx

7. Names of interview participants have been changed in accordance with ethics guidelines.

8. Most musicians made use of the Internet networking site MySpace, for collaboration, networking and marketing.

9. The enterprise Biddybags employs young female designers who create designs for retro-style bags, dresses and tea cosies, and elderly women in the community with craft-based skills such as knitting and crocheting make the products. The profits are split between the two groups of women.