Creativity and Place in the Evolution of a Cultural Industry

The Case of Cirque du Soleil

Bibliographic Data

ID10865019
AuthorsDeborah Leslie (0000-0001-9851-2490, University of Toronto, corresponding author), Norma M Rantisi (0000-0003-1653-0017, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume48
Issue9
Pages1771-1787
Publication date2011-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueUrban Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0042-0980 • E-ISSN: 1360-063X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0042098010377475
OpenAlexW2121448925
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited21

The Cirque du Soleil, based in Montreal, is known internationally for its innovative form of circus production. Although a transnational company recruiting talent from around the world, it is argued that the Cirque’s ability to innovate is underpinned by its historical and geographical situatedness in Montreal. Drawing on evolutionary economics, the paper examines the place-specific and path-dependent trajectory which has informed the emergence of the Cirque, focusing on how a series of latent synergies—including a vibrant tradition of street performance in Quebec, the lack of established circus conventions, and the strength of related cultural sectors in Montreal—gave rise to the Cirque. In addition, the paper explores the purposive role of the state in actualising some of these latent synergies

Cirque · Creativity · Economic geography · Economics · Geography · Management · Political science · Sociology · State (computer science · Art History and Market Analysis · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · Law · Wine Industry and Tourism

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