ZiM Debate #05

[ Tuesday, 1 March 2005 ]

CREATIVE CITIES – CITIES FOR CREATIVES?

Featuring: Erik Hitters, sociologist, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Faculteit Algemene Cultuurwetenschappen
Rien Hilhorst, project developer Het Kwartier/stedelijke ontwikkeling

As in many parts of the EU, urban developers are cooperating with creatives in order to revaluate run down areas. With the help of specific incentives such as low or no rents for creatives or generous working spaces, they seek cooperations with artists and other creative forces of the city.

This booming practice raises many questions:

• What is the specific role of creatives in an urban upgrading process as well as in the general policy of a city?
• Can any kind of non-commercial artistic work be combined with the goals of urban renewal strategies?
• Is there a double win-win situation for all parties involved, or are there compromises to be made?
• What is the specific contribution creatives can bring to a site?
• Are they given a long enough time-frame to develop their ideas?