The concept of the creative cities has emerged as an effective model for urban development. Cities around the world are looking for new ways to promote innovation, drive economic progress, and improve the quality of life. This concept is transforming the social and business landscape of Tbilisi and positioning it as the hub for innovation and creativity in the Caucasus. Tbilisi is a great example of the transformative power of a creative city. It combines a dynamic mix of cultural projects, repurposed space, and vibrant festivals.
Over the past few decades, the concept of a “creative cities” has gained popularity in urban studies, business strategies, and culture policy. Charles Landry popularized this concept in his influential book The Creative City : A Toolkit For Urban Innovators (2000). This concept views cities as dynamic places where creativity – whether in the arts or business – becomes the driving force behind economic growth, social innovations, and cultural developments. The idea of a creative urban space is no longer limited to artistic endeavors. It encompasses an interconnected vision of technology, culture, business, and the fabric of urban living. It is important to examine the many facets of creative cities and their impact on business and society. They can also be engines of inclusive growth.
The Genesis of the Creative City
From Renaissance Florence to the early 20th century Paris, cities have been cultural centers where art, literature and commerce thrived simultaneously. The contemporary notion of a creative city is different from past examples because it intentionally harnesses creativity as a resource. The rise of the creative city in the late 20th Century coincided with the deindustrialization, and the shift away from manufacturing-based economies towards knowledge-driven, service-oriented economies. Global cities were faced with the challenge of revitalizing urban areas that used to be dominated by warehouses and factories. Creativity was seen as a solution.
Charles Landry argued cities could reinvent themselves if they created environments that encouraged innovation in all sectors, not just traditional ones like finance and technology but also culture, media and the arts. This new perspective positioned the creatives–artists and designers, architects and media professionals- as central actors in a city’s economic ecosystem. The transformation of once-derelict neighborhoods (think London’s Shoreditch, or New York‘s Williamsburg), into vibrant cultural quarters, exemplified the power of creativity to drive urban renewal.
While each creative city is unique in its cultural context, there are several fundamentals that guide the transformation.
1. Cultural and artistic expression: A creative city invests in both traditional and contemporary arts. This includes public art and cultural institutions, festivals and the preservation of heritage.
2. Urban Design and Repurposing – Creative cities are focused on innovative urban planning. They repurpose old or neglected spaces to become new cultural or business centers. Architecture, design and sustainability are crucial in defining a city’s creative and physical identity.
3. Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship – Creativity is not limited to the arts, but also includes entrepreneurship in industries like tech, media, fashion and design. Creative cities are platforms that allow new businesses to thrive and flourish.
4. Public Engagement and Social Innovators: Creative cities place a high priority on inclusivity and community involvement. These cities encourage civic engagement and address social challenges with innovative solutions, whether through participatory art or spaces that encourage interaction.
The Creative Class: Its Role
Urban theorist Richard Florida expanded on this idea in his seminal work The Rise of the Creative Class (2002), arguing that cities that attract creative professionals–engineers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs–would thrive in the new economy. Florida’s creative class concept highlights the direct relationship between creativity and economic performance. Creative cities offer the right mix of technology, talent, and tolerance to fuel innovation.
The creative class is a consumer and producer of culture. They are also driving the demand for new experiences, products, and services. Urban environments must cater to this demographic by providing vibrant cultural scenes, public spaces that are accessible, and a strong foundation for entrepreneurial ventures. Cities that are able to attract and retain creative professionals develop thriving eco-systems where business and cultural intersect. In such environments, tech startups, coworking spaces, pop up art galleries, and festival thrive, contributing to an economic and cultural cycle.
Cultural Infrastructure as a Prism of the Creative City
Cultural infrastructure, such as museums, galleries and theaters, as well music venues and public art installations, are the backbone of any creative city. These institutions are not only spaces for artistic expression, but also engines for tourism and local economy. Cities like Berlin, Tbilisi and Barcelona have leveraged the rich cultural heritage of their cities and their innovative contemporary art scene to attract international tourists and foreign investments. The synergy of cultural infrastructure with the city’s economic goals highlights the crucial role that culture plays when it comes to driving urban development.
Creative cities foster a variety interdisciplinary spaces that can be used to innovate. In creative cities, the fusion between technology and art has become a trend, leading to digital art installations, augmented-reality experiences, and interactive exhibits. This blending of disciplines reflects the broader convergence in industries within the digital economy where creative ideas have become commodities with tangible value.
Social Impact: Inclusion in the Creative City
The creative city model’s potential to generate inclusive, growth that benefits not only the elite, but also marginalized communities and disadvantaged people is a key argument. Many critics claim that creative cities can worsen gentrification, and that they can push out local residents when real estate markets boom. However, the counter-narrative suggests that a creative town can be more inclusive.
Innovative urban policies and initiatives driven by the community can ensure that all citizens share in the benefits of a city with a creative culture. Public spaces that encourage creative expression, like open-air theatres or urban art exhibitions, can provide opportunities for all citizens of a city to participate in its cultural life. Creative cities that prioritize affordable housing and accessible education can also provide opportunities for underrepresented groups in the creative economy.
Tbilisi has seen a boom in creative collectives and startups centered on inclusivity. Projects like Fabrika – a former Soviet sewing factory turned cultural center – offer a place where young people of different backgrounds can interact, share ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects. Public festivals like Stamba or ATINATI Gallery, which bring contemporary art to the streets and engage a wider audience, can be compared.
Business and the Creative Economy
The rise of the creative industries is perhaps the most visible economic impact of creative city. The creative economy, defined by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development as industries based on the creativity of film, music and fashion, as well as digital media and digital media, represents a significant global growth sector. According to UNESCO the global creative industry generated more than $2.2 trillion in revenue and employed over 30 million people by 2020. This includes traditional cultural industries such as publishing and design as well as more recent sectors like video games, animation and esports.
Creative cities are in a good position to capitalize on the growth of the creative industries by attracting talent and companies. Businesses can benefit from locating in a city that is creative by having access to a pool skilled labor, a dynamic cultural environment, and a network of entrepreneurs who share similar values. The emphasis on creativity is often reflected in the way these cities approach governance and business regulation. A city that encourages innovation by promoting flexible policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and startup incubators will appeal to forward-thinking investors and businesses.
A creative city is often a testing ground for new business models. The interplay between creativity, commerce and the gig economy has led to new ways of organizing the economic activity. This is particularly relevant in the context urban sustainability where creative solutions to environmental issues–such as sustainable fashion, renewable energy initiatives or green architecture–are increasingly viewed as viable business opportunities.
Tbilisi: a city in creative transformation
The recent urban evolution of Tbilisi is a great example of the creative city model. The Georgian capital, once known for its rich cultural heritage and historical architecture, has embraced modern creativity in ways which have redefined its global standing and identity. Creative hubs like Stamba, Fabrika and Wine Factory, Haraki, Open Space or TBC Concepts, reflect a new age of innovation that is reshaping the social and economic fabric of the city.
Stamba and Fabrika, a former Soviet sewing factory in the city’s Chugureti district, are two of Tbilisi’s most iconic examples of its creative transformation. Fabrika, a former Soviet-era sewing factory located in the Chugureti district of Tbilisi, is now a sprawling cultural complex. It is now a sprawling complex of cultural facilities that includes a hostel as well as art studios and galleries, cafes and co-working areas. Its open courtyard hosts regular concerts, pop-up market, and performances. This is a popular gathering place for Tbilisi’s young creatives and digital nomads. Stamba is an hotel and cultural center housed in the repurposed Soviet era publishing house. Stamba’s industrial chic design maintains its raw architecture from the past, while incorporating contemporary art elements. This symbolizes the city’s ability blend tradition and modernity. The Tbilisi Photography and Multimedia Museum is located in Stamba and serves as a focal-point for Georgia’s growing reputation when it comes to visual arts and multimedia storytelling. The museum is open to the public and hosts many international exhibitions and workshops. It also regularly hosts talks and lectures. This helps Tbilisi become a regional leader when it comes to digital art. This space is not only a hub for global tourists, but also an educational and creative hub.
TBC Concept is a division of TBC Bank, which has integrated creative thinking in the financial sector. TBC Concepts is a great example of how large corporations can contribute to a creative city by supporting cultural events, exhibitions and even urban development. TBC Concepts has become a part of the cultural fabric of the city by hosting international exhibitions in its Flagship, sponsoring artistic collaborations, and supporting local creatives.
Tbilisi Celebrates Creativity Citywide: Tbilisi’s creative transformation can be seen in its many cultural festivals and public art initiatives, from the Baroque Festivals to the Showcases of International Theater Programs. Tbilisi Art and Book Fairs and Tbilisi Photo, Craftsmanship or Pictorial Exhibitions are key platforms for both emerging and established artists, attracting international tourists and generating economic impact through tourism. Exhibitions at galleries such as ArtBeat, Atinati LC Quesser Window Project, and others promote cultural interchange and give Georgian artist the opportunity to display their work on a global stage.
The Underground Music Scene. Tbilisi’s thriving electronic music is another vital expression of its creative identity. Tbilisi, which has been gaining international recognition along with cities like Berlin, has become an unexpected hub for the techno music genre since the early 2010s. Bassiani, a venue located below Tbilisi’s Dinamo Arena has become a global icon for its cutting-edge music. Tbilisi’s underground music scene is unique in its fusion of creative expression with political and social activism. The scene played a crucial role in shaping the youth culture of the city, especially in the aftermaths of the 2018 police raids at Bassiani and other clubs. The protests, which are often called “The Rave Revolution,” showed the close connection between Tbilisi’s creative community and their demand for social changes. These events showed how the creative city concept goes beyond economic development and influences social and political dynamics.
Urban Creativity – The Tbilisi Architecture Biennial is another manifestation of Tbilisi’s creative spirit. TAB brings together Georgian and international architects, urban planners and artists to reimagine the creative use of architecture and public space in cities. TAB is a platform that allows Tbilisi to adapt its built environment to the rapidly changing cultural and socio-economic realities.
Vake, Tbilisi’s most affluent neighborhood, has recently been a prime example how urban infrastructure can reflect the principles of a creative city. Vake’s development emphasizes green areas, public spaces, and modern architecture which harmonizes with the district’s surroundings. The redesign of Mziuri and Vake Parks, and their surrounding areas, incorporates interactive features, such as outdoor fitness zones and playgrounds, to foster a sense community engagement. The construction of innovative commercial spaces and environmentally-conscious housing in Vake is also a reflection of the growing trend towards sustainable urban development in Tbilisi. These projects not only improve the quality of living for residents, but also attracts young professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives who are looking for vibrant, well-designed urban spaces.
Public Creativity. Tbilisi’s vibrant street art scene is one of the most visible manifestations in Tbilisi of creativity. Tbilisi Mural Fest has transformed the urban landscape of the city by bringing public art on a large scale to its streets. Tbilisi is a city that has a diverse cultural identity. International and local artists have been invited to paint murals. Tbilisi’s street art isn’t just decorative; it often deals with social and political issues. Many murals reflect the city’s growing social consciousness, addressing issues such as freedoms of expression, environmental activism and rights of minorities. This creativity, which is aimed at the public, also increases Tbilisi’s tourism appeal by attracting visitors to less-explored areas of the city and giving local artists an opportunity to showcase their work.
Challenges and Future Potential
Tbilisi’s creative city model has brought about many positive changes but it is not without its challenges. The rapid commercialization and development of certain creative spaces may alienate local artists, who may not be able to afford the rent in newly developed areas. Gentrification is another possibility, whereby rising property values in creative areas displace long-standing residents. To ensure that all citizens can benefit from this transformation, it is important to balance the economic benefits of creative cities with the need for inclusive development.
Tbilisi has a huge potential to integrate creativity into its social and economic fabric in the future. Continued investment in the creative industries, public art and inclusive urban planning, will allow Tbilisi to deepen its culture capital while addressing social inequality. Tbilisi, as the creative economy grows and the city’s cultural capital is enhanced, has the chance to become a global model of how cities can harness their creativity to foster sustainable economic growth and social development.
By Ivan Nechaev
Read More @ georgiatoday.ge