MAPPING CULTURE

3.4 Application to this study (relevance and impact)
In terms of the project output, this classification framework supports dual activities
regarding cultural infrastructure and venues in the City of Sydney:
i) Mapping 〠ǂxed spaces (spatial dimensions): examining the quantitative aspects of
cultural venues and infrastructure, such as total number (across the City of Sydney
and within villages) and size in total floorspace
ii) Charting the ‘value chain’ (relational dimensions): exploring the existing or
emerging cultural flows around multiple spaces (e.g. creation, production, use,
dissemination and education).
This framework has multiple applications for the exploration and analysis of cultural
venues and infrastructure. For instance, it recognises the complexity of cultural
circulation and aligns strongly with existing standards (Statistics Canada, 2011;
UNESCO, 2009). In addition, it enables a more nuanced, in-depth analysis while still
providing a clear, robust and replicable foundation for studies of cultural
infrastructure and venues. In considering how these dimensions might transfer to
ESRI/ArcGIS, this framework makes it possible to respond to different queries at a
more fine-grained level: to show, for instance, all medium-sized non-government
operated galleries, and how they are used in different ways. The framework can,
therefore, be utilised to examine the Cultural Venues and Infrastructure Database by
planning, policymaking and public audiences in a range of ways.
This classification framework provides parameters for mapping cultural infrastructure
and venues, as well as of charting the ‘value chain’ of how these spaces are utilised.
This approach provides a strong basis for future studies, as well as for planning and
community engagement, especially in relation to examining creative
clusters/precincts, planning and regulatory requirements, rental and property prices,
and size and operating systems.
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