Creative Cities: the role of creative industries in regeneration

Professor Justin O’Connor

22 February 2007, 10am - 12.30pm Cost: free

Professor O'Connor presented a case for the role of creative industries in the future of towns and cities, operating in a complex ecosystem that involves not only artists and business people, but people from every area of urban life. Taking Manchester as a prime example, he looked at the relationship between the cultural economy and the wider image and profile of Cities. He concluded by looking at some of the abuses as well as the uses of the cultural and creative industries.

Biography

Professor Justin O'Connor is Chair in Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds. Previously, he was the Director of Manchester Institute for Popular Culture at Manchester Metropolitan University. His research has examined cultural industries in the UK, China and Russia. He also played an active role in Manchester's cultural strategy, co-chairing the city's Creative Industries Development Service. Since 2004 he has done work on the creative economy in China.