The Creative Class Migrates

There have been a few articles that have caught our eye that talk about the ‘Creative Class’ and where they are living or even moving too. It’s the first time we’ve seen such recognition of the group in geographical terms.

Northern Virginia - Richard Florida points to an article that highlights the political influence of the creative class in Northern Virginia and says:

In a new article, provocatively titled "Bobos Say No-No" just off the press at William Buckley’s National Review, Jonathan Martin, quotes Davis as saying that: "The key is to know how to talk to the creative class.”  “Economic development works,” adds Davis, as the rapid expansion of Northern Virgina’s creative economy has brought new kinds of constituents with more open-minded values to the suburbs.

Paris - The LA Times says Paris Wants To Woo The ‘Creative Class’:

Though it may be a little hard to imagine Hemingway writing "A Farewell to Arms" on a laptop, Delanoe is betting that "le Wi-Fi" (pronounced "wee-fee" here) is one of many changes in Paris that will attract creative spirits as well as legions of young people who might otherwise flee the tradition-bound city for places closer to the cutting edge.

Philadelphia - The New York Times looks at the emerging creative class in Philly:

In this city, the art world doesn’t dance to the beat of a hyped-up market. Unlike New York and Los Angeles, where there are waiting lists for paintings with six-figure price tags and dealers pick and choose whom they’ll deign to sell to, the art scene is more accessible, and certainly more fun. While the city’s commercial gallery sector is growing in size and sophistication, it still doesn’t dominate. Larry Gagosian won’t be moving in anytime soon. You’re just as likely to see the work of a local artist in a grass-roots collective as in a clothing boutique, a nonprofit space or a historic 18th-century house. And in those spaces, you’re likely to see every major player, especially on First Fridays, when galleries stay open late, turning the whole city into an art-fueled cocktail party. Despite the homegrown atmosphere, the caliber of work is impressive.

Japan - Joichi Ito wonders at the fascination to live in new towns when a rural alternative is not far away.