Cultural economy at work in the city of Kristiansand: cultural policy as incentive for urban innovation

In 2002, as part of its urban policy, the city of Kristiansand set up a giant foundation, for the purpose of soliciting projects, talents and strategies for growth in the city's cultural economy. There was conflict over core values in the promotion of culture and heritage, and discussion on the transformation of power and democracy. The article assesses the challenges facing the foundation "Cultiva'', including institutional ramifications related to re 'gimes of public planning and governance. Cultiva introduces new discourses of culture in urban development, with impacts on both the outside perception of the city and the everyday culture among the inhabitants of Kristiansand.