Contributions Of Visual Arts Sector Towards Urban Regeneration In Penang Island
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Date
2019-07
Authors
Chang, Shu Fun
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The transition of the global economy towards the post-industrialization phase has
led to a new trend of urban regeneration. Cities are now exploring strategies to promote
place regeneration towards sustainability. Parallel to this, a creativity-centred and
cultural-centred economy is increasingly a global focus, especially after the
popularisation of the ‘Creative City’ concept. Recognising ‘creative arts’ as one of the
keystones of creative or cultural industries, cities began to adopt or adapt art strategy.
According to the literature, vibrant art market and active art initiatives for creative placemaking
could help to revitalise societal vibrancy and regenerate economic
competitiveness of a city. Nevertheless, critiques also highlighted undesirable
consequences such as gentrification, displacement and loss of local authenticity due to
the active implementation of creative or art strategy in a city. In Penang, since George
Town’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, the local arts and cultural
assets increasingly gained a legitimate stake in local policy-making towards developing
Penang Island into a creative city. Creative or art strategy could help to sustain Penang’s
competitiveness by retaining and attracting creative talents towards supporting its future
development. This is achievable with careful planning and implementation. This
research examined visual arts as a sectoral case study subsumed under the art or creative
industries. This study investigated the contribution of the visual arts sector towards
urban regeneration in Penang Island by analysing the stakeholders’ perceptions (i.e. the
producers, the marketers, the consumers, and the supporters).
Description
Keywords
Visual Arts , Urban Regeneration