Great Cities is a unique interactive CD-ROM game that demonstrates to the player the effects of cultural policies on the vitality of the Silicon Valley region.

Although Great Cities has a serious point, it is presented as a game. “Bruce Largecap”, a fictitious Silicon Valley tycoon, has just died in an unfortunate encounter with a high-end sport utility vehicle. In his will, Largecap names you (the player) as the director of a new foundation.

The foundation’s objective is to ignite a cultural renaissance that will equal and complement the Valley’s preeminent position in business and technology. You have the authority to implement investments in education, cultural programming, organizational effectiveness, marketing and building cultural facilities. The results of your investments collectively interact to impact the long-term health of Silicon Valley.

The purpose of the simulation is not to predict the future, but rather to educate a local audience of business and civic leaders about the relevance of arts and culture to community life, and to provide insights into a variety of short and long-term tactics that might promote stronger civic engagement.

Cultural Initiatives regularly provides on-site demonstrations and free copies of the game to organizations in Silicon Valley with an interest in community vitality.

Please contact John Kreidler for more information on the Great Cities Simulator.

For more information on Leadership Development, please contact Laura Jason, Associate Director, at 408.283.8507, or laura@ci-sv.org

creative education program  |  community & neighborhood arts  |  leadership development

© 2006 Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley

Updated: December 21, 2006