Prof. Florida’s theory asserts that metropolitan regions with high concentrations of high-tech workers, artists, musicians, lesbians and gay men, and a group he describes as “high bohemians”, correlate with a higher level of economic development. Florida posits the theory that the creative class fosters an open, dynamic, personal and professional environment. This environment, in turn, attracts more creative people, as well as businesses and capital. He suggests that attracting and retaining high-quality talent, versus a singular focus on infrastructure projects such as sports stadiums, iconic buildings, and shopping centers, would be a better primary use of a city’s regeneration resources for long-term prosperity.

Simply put the Bohemian Index is a measure of artists, writers, and performers in a city.  In Vancouver, despite the lack of arts funding (or perceived lack of), Gastown and Mount Pleasant ‘hoods probably rank the highest in terms of the Bohemian Index.

Furthermore, I’m not here to assess the validity of the theory or bore you to death as to what I think all this means. I will say though, is that Vancouver gets bashed and sometimes rightfully so, but people sometimes forget that our economy is pretty diverse and we are still quite young. Moreover, Vancouver is also gradually shifting from the old industry (which, is still important and will be an integral part for decades to come) to the new knowledge based industries (see high tech industry).