Creativity and the Valletta Design Cluster : an exploratory study

Abstract

This exploratory research study seeks to gain an understanding of creative clusters by focusing on the Valletta Design Cluster (VDC) as a case study. The literature on creative clusters (CCs) is extensive, with a body of research focusing on both the concept as well as the internal dynamics and management of such clusters. However, to date, studies focusing specifically on how creative clusters can enhance creativity are more limited. The two research questions guiding this dissertation were explored by looking at the users’ experience of the VDC as well as the management and the strategic planning of this cluster. The study seeks to understand whether the VDC helps to enhance creativity among its users, as well as its intended success factors. The research looks at the hard and soft infrastructures at the VDC, which create a social environment in which creativity is intended to be enhanced. Furthermore, the study explores the factors that are perceived to contribute towards making the Valletta Design Cluster a successful project. The study was conducted in 2021 when the VDC had just opened. The primary research was mostly based on understanding what the VDC aimed to achieve as a creative cluster and providing a snapshot of how it was set up to in the first few months of its opening. Purposive sampling was applied to conduct 15 semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used on the data gathered to extract key insights. The findings suggest that the community-based vision of the VDC is a key element of the cluster, both for the users and for management, aiming to create a social environment that enhances creativity and thereby contributes to the expected success of the cluster. The study concludes that the facilities and equipment as well as a system of collaboration, are three of the main drivers to creating this social environment that enhances creativity.