ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at what cultural programmes can deliver, who benefits, and what they cost. The Bosch500 programme brought an estimated extra one million people to ’s-Hertogenbosch, created €150 million in direct spend impact, and generated almost €20 million in international media value. This has put the city on the global map, created confidence in the city, and boosted the ambition level of stakeholders. But the “soft” benefits remain very important – including increased social cohesion and local pride. These are important political considerations not only in terms of the effects of the 2016 programme, but also in ensuring support for such projects in the long term. We also analyse what smaller places have to invest in the placemaking effort, and whether the effects are more lasting, widespread, and equitable than those of other strategies – such the icon-building efforts found in major cities.
