| Abstract: |
Based on a global sample of the 214 most prominent modern visual artists born
between 1850-1945, this paper analyses the extent of mobility and the
determinants of the decision to locate in the artistic clusters of Paris and
New York. It is argued that the extent of mobility decreases over time and
traveling is a complement to relocating permanently. Moreover, French and
German artists move considerably less and American artists significantly more
than their counterparts born elsewhere. A location choice model shows that the
affiliation with an artistic style is a good predictor for the likelihood of
moving to a cluster. This can be explained by specialised human capital
spillovers. For both clusters, short-term visits are a substitute for
permanent relocation. Having received formal art training increases the
likelihood of moving to New York, whereas the patronage system is an important
relocation factor only in the case of Paris. |