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Six - From networks to complexity: two case studies
- Edited by Ian Hargreaves, Cardiff University, John Hartley, Curtin University
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- Book:
- The Creative Citizen Unbound
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 06 April 2016, pp 129-152
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
From the noticeboard in the newsagent's window to multilayered online networks using social networking technologies, citizens access networks of support that uncover previously invisible opportunities. Such networks, online and offline, are facilitated by the use of social networking platforms but also through the everyday face-to-face interactions made possible by communities within localities. These overlapping networks are complex and dynamic and in this chapter we present two case studies where the micro-level actions of creative citizens generate impact within their communities and beyond. We consider how such actions, supported by and amplified by networks, often have wider impacts for the creative economy and for the relationship between citizens and those in power, taking us into territory illuminated by complexity theory.
In our first example we consider how a highly networked creative citizen has worked to fashion a ‘milieu’ to serve a community's creative needs and grow its cultural capital. We then turn to the way that citizen journalists, through a rejection of traditional journalistic practices and discourses, use networks to provide insight into everyday life, countering what Parker and Karner have described as externally-imposed ‘negative reputational geographies’ (2011: 309). In both cases these creative citizens enact a deft utilisation of their online and offline networks. Our intention here is to see beyond debates that tend to situate the affordances of networked technologies as the determining factor for success and instead ask how such technologies are put to use by creatives working in specific fields of cultural production. How do the networked actions of creative citizens create impact for themselves, their communities and for their practice? We begin by looking at debates about how the internet has by turns created and narrowed the opportunities for greater civic participation, before identifying useful frameworks to examine our case studies of networked creatives.
The civic potential of the internet
We might presume that in articulating a case for the importance of networks we take at face value the digitally enhanced role of technology as a transformative tool for positive change – a tool that seemingly allows those previously cut off from cultural or political participation to voice their concerns or engage in creative acts that will find global audiences.
Eight - Asset mapping and civic creativity
- Edited by Ian Hargreaves, Cardiff University, John Hartley, Curtin University
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- Book:
- The Creative Citizen Unbound
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 06 April 2016, pp 181-204
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Introduction
Throughout this book creative citizenship is explored theoretically and empirically as a concept that intrinsically leads to value generation. Acts of creative citizenship bring personal, cultural, economic, social and civic benefits, not only to individuals and communities directly involved in these acts, but also to the wider public. So, hyperlocal blogs may generate income for amateur journalists but also benefit local residents and businesses through communicating and raising awareness about issues that affect them, ranging from the weather and local services to political and planning issues (Nesta, 2013). Similarly, the benefits of community-led design enhance social value through civic participation, more democratic outcomes, creation of public goods, improved social capital and stronger community. In boosting qualities such as self-expression, confidence and skills, they also generate personal value. (Alexiou et al, 2013).
The Creative Citizen project is concerned not only with understanding and capturing current practice and its value, as enacted through the use of different media, but also exploring how this pursuit of value can be further supported and advanced.
One of the instruments we used to explore questions of value was asset mapping. In community engagement and community development theory and practice, the term ‘asset’ has long been used as an alternative for the term ‘value’. Assets are tangible or intangible resources that have a potential – they can grow or be better used to achieve something new. Drawing from the strengths of different existing approaches, asset mapping was innovatively used in the Creative Citizen project both as an analytic research tool for capturing people's values and perceptions of value, and as a practical tool to support community engagement and co-creation.
The chapter reviews different asset mapping or asset-based development approaches and presents the approach developed and used in the Creative Citizen project, discussing theoretical and methodological insights. The chapter links to Chapter 4, which is focused on appraising and articulating the value of creative citizenship through the lens of cultural value.
Approaches to asset mapping
Asset mapping is a methodology used with community groups and organisations to help unearth, capture and visualise existing resources and capacities, which may otherwise lie undiscovered and underused.