Art and Economics in the City ― New Cultural Maps

Emerging forms of alternative economy are changing the structure of society, redefining the relationship between center and periphery in the urban fabric. In this context, the arts can play a crucial role in formulating a concept of complex and plural citizenship. This economic, social, and cultural paradigm has the potential to overcome the conventional isolation of the arts and culture in ivory towers, and thereby to gradually make the urban fabric more fertile. This volume faces such sensitive issues by collating contributions from various disciplines: Economists, sociologists, urbanists, architects, and creative artists offer a broad and deep assessment of urban dynamics and their visions for years to come.

Caterina Benincasa, an art historian, is founder of Polyhedra (a nonprofit organization focused on the relationship between art and science) and of the Innovate Heritage project aimed at a wide exchange of ideas and experience among scholars, artists, and pratictioners. She lives in Berlin.

Gianfranco Neri, an architect, teaches architectural and urban composition at Reggio Calabria "Mediterranea" University, where he directs the Department of Art and Territory. He extensively publishes books and articles on issues related to architectural projects.

Michele Trimarchi, an economist, teaches public economics in Catanzaro and cultural economics in Bologna. He coordinates the Lateral Thinking Lab (IED Rome) and is a member of the editoral board of Creative Industries Journal and of the international council of the Creative Industries Federation.