Tactical ruralism: a commentary on Nordic placemaking practices

This commentary synthesises the common denominators of emergent Nordic place-making practices illustrated by the kaleidoscopic collection of cases in Part II of the book. The chapter addresses distinct tactical, strategic and aesthetic performances along which place brands on high latitudes are conceived and re-framed for global markets. It is argued that contemporary Nordic place-making practices are characterised by tactical ruralism, which enables creative translations and eclectic cross-appropriations between cosmopolitan consumer cultures and local manifests. Furthermore, initially modest local branding capacities are enhanced by deploying unconventional or translocal place-making resources. The implications and controversies rooted in inclusive and networked actor constellations are discussed.