Cultural vibrancy thrives on the dynamic interplay between heritage and contemporary expression. It embodies the living, evolving spirit of a community, where traditions are honoured, and creativity flourishes. A vibrant cultural landscape embraces its heritage, finding inspiration and continuity through the preservation of historical sites, traditional arts, and shared stories. Simultaneously, it welcomes new voices, innovative ideas, and diverse forms of expression. This rich blend of past and present fuels a sense of pride, fosters innovation, strengthens social cohesion, and attracts visitors and investment, making a community a compelling place to live, work, and explore.
Local governments have a complex role to play in fostering a city’s creative culture They have a responsibility for understanding and articulating the community’s values and desired future, for providing opportunities for cultural learning and creative expression, and for effectively addressing local needs through creative programmes and policies.
Below are 5 programmes on the use platform being implemented by local governments to foster cultural vibrancy in their cities.
Incredibol! – Bologna, Italy
INCREDIBOL! is based on an integrated and holistic approach that considers creativity as a driver for quality of life, social innovation, city beautification, urban regeneration and economic development. Every year INCREDIBOL! launches an open call for projects in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) sector. Through this call, selected cultural and creative professionals from businesses in their start-up phase, receive small grants, rent-free spaces, promotion, training and mentorship.
Link to Case Study: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/incredibol-bolognas-creative-innovation
CreArt – Valladolid, Spain
CreArt is a network of 12 European cities seeking to foster artistic creativity through training, exchange and promotion of emerging visual artists. By creating a network of similar sized cities with similar agendas and requirements, the City of Valladolid sought to enhance and modernise the visual arts sector at both local and European level. Through the network, the European Day of Artistic Creativity was established.
Link to Case Study: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/creart
Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan, South Korea
The Gamcheon Culture Village Project sought a paradigm shift from redevelopment and reconstruction to ‘preservation and revitalization’. The project has turned the languishing village into a vibrant community with improved living conditions. The sub-standard village infrastructure has been refurbished to give residents access to a cleaner and safer living environment. Residents now have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from a variety of cultural activities and educational programs.
Link to Case Study: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/gamcheon-culture-village
The re-development of La Balanza cultural neighbourhood – Lima, Peru
The re-development of the La Balanza neighbourhood uses existing urban dynamics to transform public space through recreational and cultural activities. The programme content is inclusive and experimental and activities are designed to encourage community participation and improve the neighbourhood’s social and urban fabric. Due to continuing efforts, the neighbourhood has established itself as a space for the research and development of innovative projects.
Link to Case Study: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/recovery-of-la-balanza-cultural-neighborhood
Green Square – Sydney, Australia
In 2018, the City of Sydney completed the key components of a new civic hub in the heart of Green Square – Australia’s largest urban renewal project. The hub houses a major community and cultural precinct, a library and civic plaza that have set benchmarks in adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, facilities integration, sustainability and design innovation. The hub provides spaces for community activities and programs run by the City and other community and corporate organisations.
Link to Case Study: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/green-square
Further reading:
Culture in the Sustainable Development Goals: a guide for local action
Sustainable development and living Heritage
For more programmes and policies related to cultural vibrancy, creative industries and heritage preservation you can search the use data base by SDGs or topic – cultural vibrancy: https://use.metropolis.org/search