What is it about?
In many cities around the world, neighbourhoods are changing as a result of the presence of cultural activities and artists. Often, culture-led urban policies have had undesirable consequences in terms of rising rents, displacement of former residents and changes in economic and retail activities. However, this process is not univocal and local residents may not be displaced despite changing neighbourhood life. This article analyzes the changes induced by cultural activities and entrepreneurs in San Francisco , Bilbao, to explore the conflicts related to the symbolic representation of the neighbourhood and the "right to the neighbourhood"
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Why is it important?
The novelty of this article is that explores the symbolisms attached to the presence of cultural activities, and the changes in community life. While the academic literature has highlighted how have cultural industries attracted new residents and displaced former neighbours (i.e., gentrification), we focus on the symbolic aspects to understand how local life is disrupted by the presence of cultural agents.
Perspectives
Apart from checking statistical data and reading planning documents, I have interviewed neighbours and cultural entrepreneurs to understand how is the neighbourhood changing. I am grateful to all the interviewees for sharing their feelings.
Dr Xabier Gainza
University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Culture-led neighbourhood transformations beyond the revitalisation/gentrification dichotomy, Urban Studies, July 2016, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0042098016630507.
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