Work

Cultural activism and the politics of place-making

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we explore the relationship between creative practice, activism and urban place-making by considering the role they play in the construction of meaning in urban spaces. Through an analysis of two activist groups based in Stokes Croft, Bristol (UK), we argue that cultural activism provides new political prospects within the wider context of global capitalism through the cultivation of a shared aesthetics of protest. By cultivating aspects of shared history and a mutual enthusiasm for creative practice as a form of resistance, Stokes Croft has emerged as a ‘space of nurturance’ for creative sensibilities. However, we note how Stokes Croft as an autonomous space remains open-ended and multiple for activists interested in promoting different visions of social justice.

Source: City

DOI: 10.1080/13604813.2013.827840

Authors: Michael Buser, Carlo Bonura, Maria Fannin, Kate Boyer

Institutions: University of the West of England, University of London, SOAS University of London, University of Southampton

Language: English

Topic: Public Spaces through Art

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Royal Geographical Society, Arts and Humanities Research Council