A Guide to Cultural Mapping

Nancy Duxbury, Centre for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra, Portugal

and

W. F. Garrett-Petts, Thompson Rivers University, Canada

In this chapter you will learn about an emerging field of study and practice that has significant value for community arts and cultural development work: Cultural mapping. We begin with a working definition of cultural mapping, followed by an overview of its purposes, roots and allied areas of practice. To help organise this diverse field, you will learn about (1) the six key trajectories of practice and application, (2) the two main branches of mapping practice, and (3) the three orientations determining motives and purpose for mapping. These orientations are illustrated by real-world examples of cultural mapping projects which pay particular attention to those that further community arts and cultural development goals. The chapter concludes with (4) a guide on how to interpret cultural maps, (5) some thoughts about future directions for this evolving field, and (6) a set of exercises designed to give you first-hand experience with the creation and analysis of cultural maps.