Social innovation through the arts in rural areas: the case of Montemor-o-Novo

Abstract

This article looks at a particularly successful example of arts-based social creativity in a rural setting: the case of Montemor-o-Novo, in Southern Portugal. It is argued that the analysis of its trajectory cannot be satisfactorily made with recourse solely to the usual interpretive categories from the conceptual and theoretical debates on creative cities and social innovation in urban settings: while essential to understanding the dynamics that have been taking place in Montemor-o-Novo, those categories need to be complemented with an understanding of the specific ways in which rurality and post-rurality have been mobilised in this particular context. In order to do this, the article begins by critically reviewing some of the insights from the literature on creativity, the arts and social change; on the role of the arts in place development; on public art and public spaces; and on socially creative milieux. This is followed by an account of the trajectory of Montemor-o-Novo as an example of arts-based social creativity. Finally, some conclusions are drawn on post-rurality as strategy for socially creative local