City Quitters: An Exploration of Post-Urban Life

Is it possible to lead a creative post-urban existence? A wave of creatives is opting out of increasingly regulated and pressured urban spaces that leave little freedom to explore and experiment. But what lies beyond the romanticized image? Does the reality of rural living fulfil our craving for a better, simpler life? Individual stories of creative professionals who have settled in the countryside touch on themes such as creativity, community, work, lifestyle, sustainability, art, design, food and nature. A rich selection of images showcases the most important aspects of their lifestyle; from experimental communal living in a renaissance castle to ceramic production in the isolation of the desert. In addition, case studies of influential projects and initiatives demonstrate the value that creative thinking can bring to the countryside. Included are cultural institutions, communal initiatives and companies that generate new momentum or bring interest to a rural area or underdeveloped region. City Quitters sheds a light on what rural life is like today with all its joys and challenges and how creatives thrive outside urban spaces and traditional consumption cycles.