Introduction: Space for Creativity

Abstract

Locating Cultural Work is a book about ‘good work’ (Hesmondhalgh and Baker, 2011; Sennett, 2008). Specifically it is about the ways in which rural, regional and remotely located creative practitioners go about their own cultural work, seeking to create physical, economic and emotional space for it while negotiating the multiple contingencies of place. That is, how they attempt to realise their own particular manifestation of good cultural work, in line with the framework articulated by Hesmondhalgh and Baker in Creative Labour, namely, ‘decent pay, hours and safety; autonomy; interest and involvement; sociality; esteem and self-esteem; self-realization; work—life balance; security. Conversely [the] features of bad work: poor pay, hours and safety; powerlessness; boredom; isolation; self-doubt and shame; overwork; insecurity and risk’ (2011, p. 17). But whereas Hesmondhalgh and Baker explored this in terms of three specific, and generally city-centric, industries — television, music recording and magazine publishing — in Locating Cultural Work I focus on reconnecting debates around contemporary cultural work with non-urban localities. I thus continue my interest in the edge-places of creativity, innovation and people attempting to live lives well-lived, however they may define this.