Urban regeneration through arts and culture: The case of a multicultural neighbourhood in a medium-sized Italian city

Abstract

While urban regeneration through cultural events and institutions is now an accepted practice in many cities, the debate on the cycle of culture-led policies (aims, process, outcomes, evaluations) has become more and more intense. The purpose of this work is to analyse the impact of culture-led policies on urban regeneration processes, through the analysis of Piacenza’s Quartiere Roma case study. The paper is divided in two parts: the first concerns a brief overview of the theory of culture as an instrument of urban regeneration where arts can play the role of a driving force. Literature on urban studies and empirical cases demonstrate that culture-led policies can trigger successful regeneration processes. In particular the most relevant outcomes consist not only in image change but also in social cohesion and resident community engagement. The second part focuses on Piacenza’s Quartiere Roma case study. From 2008 to 2010 the Agenzia Quartiere Roma was established to provoke regeneration in a low-income neighbourhood in Piacenza (Italy) mainly through cultural actions and integrated programmes. Over three years, events and other activities were organised by the agency to improve the quality of life and address the perception of insecurity in the community. The agency identified culture and the arts as the main force to challenge the problems of the neighbourhood. In particular the programme enabled new shop openings by young artists. Partnerships were established and some actions succeeded in rebuilding a new neighbourhood identity in terms of reduction of insecurity and social exclusion particularly through the main project called MUSA (Street Art Urban Movement).