Finding common ground: the conception of community arts festivals as spaces for placemaking

Journal article


Brownett, T. and Evans, O. 2019. Finding common ground: the conception of community arts festivals as spaces for placemaking. Health & Place. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102254
AuthorsBrownett, T. and Evans, O.
Abstract

The present research posits the significant role that arts and cultural festivals play in contributing to placemaking and generating well-being within communities. Placemaking is recognized to be important when considering how to improve population health and well-being, and festivals can be seen to amplify those benefits. Drawing on qualitative data gathered from interviews with festival organizers in south-east England and deploying theories of space from Foucault and Massey, the present article posits that community arts and cultural festivals can support the positive creation or transformation of pro-social spaces that could support community acceptance and well-being, the ability to live together and cohesively and accepting difference.

KeywordsArts festivals; placemaking; community well-being; heterotopia; community assets
Year2019
JournalHealth & Place
PublisherElsevier
ISSN1353-8292
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102254
Official URLhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102254
Publication dates
Online22 Nov 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted14 Nov 2019
Deposited25 Nov 2019
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
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This was funded by faculty QR fund for ERC

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