'The extensive series of contributions to this volume provide a unique Scandinavian perspective on the contribution of the arts and culture to regional development. The book will be of interest not just to scholars, planners, local government officials and others working in the Nordic countries, but to researchers anywhere in the world who are concerned with evaluating investment in the cultural sector in an urban and regional context.' — David Throsby, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Macquarie University, Sydney'This book offers a new understanding of the effects of the arts and culture on regional and local development. The authors present a comprehensive analysis of festivals, museums and creative industries. They illustrate their issues with a great variety of Scandinavian case studies. In a context of deep economic crisis, they provide an excellent analysis of the way culture can increase social well-being. The book helps to evaluate the respective weight of private initiative and public support. The authors do not hesitate to stress the positive impact of culture and its limits. The book is original, insightful and deserves to be read by students, scholars, and practitioners as well.' — Françoise Benhamou, Professor of Economics, Paris 13 University, and Commissioner at ARCEP (Independent regulator of the French communications industries)