Governance-specific Factors and Cultural Clusters: The Case of the Museum Clusters in Florence

Abstract

Drawing on the cultural cluster approach, and the local system governance perspective, we test a ‘multi-level governance’ model (intra-cluster, inter-cluster and cluster to cluster) for ‘high cultural local system’ (like cities of art). The model can be adopted to develop cultural clustering strategies based on cluster-specific factors (critical mass of actors, organizing capacity, territorial proximity) and governance-specific factors (governance structure and distribution of strategic decision-making powers across cluster actors, mental proximity). From this perspective, this article studies intra-cluster networking dynamics in the Florence museum cluster for exhibition activities, and implications in terms of cluster governance.

Keywords:

• cultural cluster
• local system governance
• inter-organizational relations
• governance-specific factors
• social network analysis
• museums