Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

In the post-industrial era, more and more cities and regions are embracing cultural planning policies in their attempts to achieve economic growth and political relevance. These plans and the bodies behind them see culture as something that can be bolstered, directed, and even substantially altered. The methods used and particular goals held by various statecraft practitioners vary greatly; however, most have taken for granted certain key assumptions about the potential for the cultural apparatus to be designed and directed. But what does it exactly mean to design culture, especially when culture is treated holistically as a dialectic between mass media and various sites of avant-garde experimentation? Does the ‘design’ of underground or avant-garde culture pose unique problems and ethical quandaries? Furthermore, how can we scholars of cultural design develop a theoretical system that allows for experimentation and free expression as well as meaningful cultural policies? This paper references the historical examples of New York City’s mid-1970s re-organization and expansion of its Department of Cultural Affairs and Chicago’s 2012 Cultural Plan under Mayor Emmanuel, but primary concern is given to broad theoretical and philosophical issues with the potential to design and direct underground and avant-garde culture. This paper goes on to argue that any sort of ethical or successful design of cultural processes must focus on the conditions of cultural expression and strive to employ organic and living designs.