The Arts and Urban Development

A special issue of Arts (ISSN 2076-0752).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 9747

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
International Studies, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Interests: art market studies; contemporary art; globalization; urban arts; urban development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the first decade of the twenty-first century, a number of models for considering the significance of the arts for urban experience were elaborated and expanded, including Richard Florida’s idea of the “creative city”, as well as models of the notions of “creative industries”, which generate urban economic growth and measure the economic impact that arts institutions have on urban environments. While the notions of the contribution of the arts to metropolitan economies is not entirely new, a focus on placemaking and fostering artistic cultures in cities has resulted in the manifestation of these ideas, spreading them to a wide variety of urban forms around the world.

The goal of this Special Issue is to account for the impacts of these new developments, to consider which strategies for urban planning and development have emerged that bring the arts into the picture, and to think about how artists (visual, performing or otherwise) contribute to urban culture. New concepts such as “culture-led regeneration” are on the rise, but artists have been engaging the city in so many ways; it is important to account for both top-down, government- and developer-led initiatives, as well as the bottom-up initiatives of artists on the ground. This Special Issue welcomes investigations of the arts and urban development from a variety of fields and specializations, including those working in urban studies, considering manifestations of the visual and performing arts and affiliated institutions in the contemporary sense. How can we expand our comprehension of the way that the urban and artistic cultures intersect and the impacts that they might have on one another? As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, there is a need to assess the preservation of culture in the urban frame, but there is also much that artists and artist/activists can do to shape the cities of the future. This Special Issue aims to consider these dynamics and the multifarious outcomes that have and will emerge.

If you intend to submit work to this Special Issue, please send a 200-word abstract to John Zarobell () by December 31, 2024. Please note that there is a two-stage submission process. The editor will first collect abstracts of 200 words by December 31, 2024. By January 31, 2025, selected abstracts will be invited to submit full papers for peer review by June 30, 2025. Journal publication is expected in October 2025, depending on the revision time required after peer review.

Prof. Dr. John Zarobell
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Arts is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • urban arts
  • contemporary art
  • urban development
  • creative city
  • creative industries
  • culture-led regeneration
  • intangible cultural heritage

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

28 pages, 2713 KB  
Article
Melomaniacs: How Independent Musicians Influence West Hollywood’s Cosmopolitanism
by Caroline E. Nagy
Arts 2025, 14(6), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14060133 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
This article brackets the sociology of music and urban arts by exploring how independent musicians derive creative meaning and connections within the musically diverse place of West Hollywood, CA (WeHo), and describes the existing municipal conditions that enable professional musicians to experience their [...] Read more.
This article brackets the sociology of music and urban arts by exploring how independent musicians derive creative meaning and connections within the musically diverse place of West Hollywood, CA (WeHo), and describes the existing municipal conditions that enable professional musicians to experience their career trajectories as authentic to their selves. Findings from in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations with 23 local, professional musicians emphasize (i) the artists’ authentic expression through innate musicality and live performances; (ii) feelings of acceptance and validation from connections to culturally hybrid audiences; and (iii) appreciation for the city’s diverse musical stages with storied histories. In further analyses, original insights are generated into how musicians continue influencing WeHo’s cosmopolitanism through their cultural omnivore attitudes and postmaterialist lifestyles. I conclude that the interconnectedness between these independent musicians and the structure of West Hollywood coevolves moral capital, contributing to a more legitimate and musically equitable urban space for artists to be recognized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 257 KB  
Article
From Silos to Synergy: Redefining Collaboration in the Performing Arts and Museum Sectors
by Christos A. Makridis
Arts 2025, 14(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14050119 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 958
Abstract
The arts sector—museums, theaters, and orchestras—in the United States and Europe faces increasing financial and operational challenges, from declining attendance to reduced public and private funding. While these organizations have historically pursued their goals independently, their future may depend on fostering collaboration across [...] Read more.
The arts sector—museums, theaters, and orchestras—in the United States and Europe faces increasing financial and operational challenges, from declining attendance to reduced public and private funding. While these organizations have historically pursued their goals independently, their future may depend on fostering collaboration across these traditionally siloed institutions. By pooling resources, expertise, and, most importantly, audiences, cross-disciplinary partnerships can amplify the impact of cultural institutions while addressing shared challenges. For instance, museums and performing arts organizations could collaborate on immersive experiences that integrate visual and performing arts, attracting a broader and more diverse audience base. Similarly, joint programming and shared digital platforms could reduce overhead costs and expand outreach. These partnerships also enable the arts to present a unified case for public and philanthropic support, leading to greater collective societal impact. Drawing on successful examples of cross-sector collaboration, this paper explores practical strategies for fostering synergies among arts institutions. By working together, the arts can not only enhance their resilience in a challenging environment but also redefine how cultural experiences are created and consumed, ensuring their relevance and vibrancy for future generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
22 pages, 347 KB  
Article
Race and Space in Rap: Conceptions of (Multi)Racial Identity and Urban Life in Rap Music
by Matthew Oware
Arts 2025, 14(5), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14050112 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Existing research focuses on how different actors infuse space and place with social meaning. In this paper, I examine how biracial rap artists Drake, Logic, and J. Cole construct their racial identities and depict urban areas in line with the strong-willed trope prevalent [...] Read more.
Existing research focuses on how different actors infuse space and place with social meaning. In this paper, I examine how biracial rap artists Drake, Logic, and J. Cole construct their racial identities and depict urban areas in line with the strong-willed trope prevalent in rap discourse, drawing on theories and insights regarding the production of space. Specifically, I hypothesize that these artists will affirm a Black male identity and perceive place as a hazardous environment, embracing a specific motif in rap mythology. I conducted a content analysis of 386 songs from 2010 to 2023 and found that not all identify as Black and that two artists portray their surroundings as threatening. Nonetheless, each rapper incorporates their environment as a facet of their rap persona. Focusing on biracial artists enables an exploration of meaning-making at the intersection of racial identity and socio-spatial cultural production, thereby broadening our understanding of place. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
28 pages, 3104 KB  
Article
Artist-Led Regeneration in Polish Cities: Shaping Community Through Public Art
by Natalia Bursiewicz
Arts 2025, 14(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14050103 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
This article discusses the role of artistic interventions in shaping communities in selected Polish cities. It especially explores marginalized urban areas that are gaining new identities through art. A crucial aspect of the analysis concentrates on the influence of artistic activities on the [...] Read more.
This article discusses the role of artistic interventions in shaping communities in selected Polish cities. It especially explores marginalized urban areas that are gaining new identities through art. A crucial aspect of the analysis concentrates on the influence of artistic activities on the formation of social bonds. Moreover, it focuses on the revitalization strategies that incorporate artistic activities designed to beautify spaces and enhance residents’ sense of security. It also includes examples of grassroots initiatives undertaken by artists in degraded areas. This study employed a qualitative methodology. In addition to reviewing the literature, a comparative analysis of case studies encompassing murals, site-specific installations, graffiti, and participatory art was conducted. The selected case studies demonstrate that art is not merely an esthetic endeavor but an important tool for solving spatial and social issues. Artists’ activities in difficult areas of a city lead to perceptual, visual, and functional changes. However, the question was whether the process of co-creation with the local community translated into stronger neighborly relationships or a greater sense of security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2913 KB  
Article
At Home in Chinatown: Community-Based Art Activism and Cultural Placemaking for Neighborhood Stabilization
by Lily Song and Heang Leung Rubin
Arts 2025, 14(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14040095 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1124
Abstract
Since the turn of the 21st century, urban studies and planning research has examined the strategic role of artists, arts organizations, and cultural activity as local and regional economic development catalysts. This article shifts the spotlight from the “creative class” and “creative industries” [...] Read more.
Since the turn of the 21st century, urban studies and planning research has examined the strategic role of artists, arts organizations, and cultural activity as local and regional economic development catalysts. This article shifts the spotlight from the “creative class” and “creative industries” as drivers of a “creative city” to study the role of art, culture, and creative practices in community-led, place-based efforts to stabilize neighborhoods and advance more hopeful, healthy, and equitable urban futures. It explores Boston’s Chinatown, where community-based art activism has a long history of addressing critical issues such as reclaiming land taken by interstate highway and urban renewal projects, as well as combating gentrification and displacement through site activation. The case study focuses on Residence Lab, a community-based arts residency program initiated by the Pao Arts Center and the Asian Community Development Corporation that brought together multimedia artists with residents to collectively preserve Boston’s Chinatown through creative and artistic activation of underutilized sites in the neighborhood from 2019 to 2022. We examine a selection of ResLab projects, which give form and meaning to the struggles and aspirations of being at home in Chinatown and embody the art activism of partner organizations and program participants, along with the ResLab’s impacts on participating residents and artists. The concluding discussion considers ResLab’s contributions and implications for the shifting ways in which urban, political, and artistic cultures have intersected and impacted one another in Chinatown along with the relationship between collective action and the preservation and transformation of culture in the urban frame. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4375 KB  
Article
Navigating Class, Gender, and Urban Mobile Spaces: Dissecting Iranian Car Social Spaces in Cinematic Narratives
by Nasim Naghavi
Arts 2025, 14(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14030050 - 5 May 2025
Viewed by 1580
Abstract
This study scrutinizes the active role of mobile urban spaces in shaping and generating social space. It explores the depiction of car spaces in two Iranian films in their cinematic narratives, symbolic meanings, and influence on the perceptions of urban mobile space, often [...] Read more.
This study scrutinizes the active role of mobile urban spaces in shaping and generating social space. It explores the depiction of car spaces in two Iranian films in their cinematic narratives, symbolic meanings, and influence on the perceptions of urban mobile space, often referred to as third spaces in the urban studies literature. This interdisciplinary paper investigates the socio-cultural manifestations of the car interiors in two hybrid docufiction films: Ten, directed by Abbas Kiarostami, and Taxi, by Jafar Panahi. Built on the new mobilities paradigm’s perspective on the mobile space of cars wherein social space is inevitably produced and re-produced, this paper reveals the socio-cultural dynamics of the car space in the films’ representations. The car space produces subjectivities, exhibits socio-cultural foundations, offers a sense of belonging and place-making, and provides opportunities for informal social interactions, while embodying power dynamics. The central aim is to revise our conceptualizations of mobility spaces by examining spatial practices that revolve around the car spaces. The paper integrates cinematic representation as a resource for planners and social scientists to conceptualize mobility spaces, introducing diegetic cabinography filmmaking style. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Other

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 2765 KB  
Case Report
The Role of Art in the Revitalisation of Brownfield Sites—The Case of Nantes
by Iwona Szustakiewicz
Arts 2025, 14(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14040097 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
The article examines the role of art in the successful revitalisation of brownfield sites in Nantes. The city’s deindustrialization in the 1960s–80s caused a severe economic and social crisis. Significant areas were left behind by the abandoned factories, which were rapidly degrading, negatively [...] Read more.
The article examines the role of art in the successful revitalisation of brownfield sites in Nantes. The city’s deindustrialization in the 1960s–80s caused a severe economic and social crisis. Significant areas were left behind by the abandoned factories, which were rapidly degrading, negatively affecting the entire city. Many of these were located on a river island in the city centre. Since the early 1990s, the Nantes authorities initiated a process of revitalising brownfield sites. They implemented several culture-led regeneration strategies. Nantes opened up to temporary events: street theatre shows and art festivals. The flagship project and symbol of renewal became Les Machines de Île, mobile, interactive machines that took over the previously degraded island and hark back to its industrial past. Site-specific art installations filled the city. The municipal authorities also started to implement the concept of a creative cluster, concentrating art colleges, cultural facilities, and creativity-related businesses on former wasteland. The use of a variety of strategies brought success, and the results went beyond the revitalised area. Cultural activities became an accelerator of change and contributed to the regeneration process of the city. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Arts and Urban Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop