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The creative city’s swan song? The individualisation of the music scene in Bologna, UNESCO City of Music

Author

Listed:
  • Sabrina Pedrini

    (University of Bologna, Italy)

  • Massimo Giovanardi

    (University of Bologna, Italy)

  • Raffaele Corrado

    (University of Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

This paper extends the debate on medium-sized cities as active designers of place-specific neoliberal identities by reporting relevant findings from Bologna, European Capital of Culture in 2000 and a UNESCO City of Music since 2006. The study identifies the formal relationships of collaboration among local musicians as a relevant proxy to discuss the individualisation of the pop-rock music scene and its variations between 1978 and 2019. For this purpose, formal Social Network Analysis is combined with semi-structured interview analysis and archival research. The findings reveal decreased levels of social cohesion among artists and establishes a link between growing individualisation in the local music scene and an increasing tourist-orientation in the city.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Pedrini & Massimo Giovanardi & Raffaele Corrado, 2025. "The creative city’s swan song? The individualisation of the music scene in Bologna, UNESCO City of Music," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 62(4), pages 628-646, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:62:y:2025:i:4:p:628-646
    DOI: 10.1177/00420980241257791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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