Managing High Street change through silliness

Abstract

‘If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it’ is a great quote from an inspirational man who has sown seeds of hope and fear in all of us. Is this true? Who was this man, and should this rationale be applied to the process of regeneration and renewal in the public realm? Other papers have been cross-referenced, and interviews conducted with programmers of outdoor work and Clive Lyttle, who is a combined arts officer for Arts Council England (ACE) (it should be noted that his views do not necessarily reflect those of ACE). The term ‘Street Art’ is used to describe art of different and combined disciplines that is presented for no cost to the audience in the public realm. The economic impact of some street theatre festivals has been researched, examples of best practice provided, lessons learned pointed out and a hypothesis advanced on future potential developments and how applied activity during and after the process of managed regeneration and renewal can increase well-being, create community cohesion and social capital while having a positive economic impact. This paper is of value to practitioners and policy-makers in place marketing and town centre management, local authority economic development officers, business managers, urban regeneration consultants, academics, tourism officers, community leaders and town centre residents.