Promoting Image and Identity in ‘Cultural Quarters’: the Case of Dundee

Abstract

Many cities in recent decades have encouraged the arts and cultural sectors as a means of achieving regeneration outcomes. Such strategies have been followed particularly by cities with perceived problems in relation to image and identity, linked to the need to promote inward investment and tourism. One policy implication has been the designation of ‘cultural quarters’, as areas where a ‘critical mass’ of culture-related activity is seen as providing the basis for further related uses. Dundee's Cultural Quarter follows this model, but evidence so far raises questions as to the extent to which relevant policy is embedded within local identity, history and culture. This implies that such quarters may promote homogeneity rather than distinctiveness, and may therefore prove to be counter-productive.

Keywords:

• Culture
• regeneration
• cultural quarters
• image
• identity

Acknowledgement

The contribution of the Carnegie Institute for the Universities of Scotland to the funding of the research project on which this article is based is gratefully acknowledged.