Making space for co-creation: heritage attractions that host contemporary art

ABSTRACT

Contemporary art provids a novel means to interrogate historical evidence, along with the institutions that conserve and curate it. With reference to more nuanced understandings of ‘co-creation’ and ‘cultural capital’, the paper explores the relationships that facilitate art interventions in heritage attractions. It considers two interrelated but distinct domains of co-creation: the varied forms and dynamics of collaborations between host institutions and artists who produce site-responsive pieces; and the agency of visitors who co-produce their own experiences within a creative environment mediated by the artists and other actors external to the heritage institution. Art interventions combine affective and intellectual responses, especially on contentious and sensitive issues, through visual narratives that challenge visitors to draw their own conclusions. Nevertheless, concerns arise over unintended exclusions and tensions that have yet to be resolved.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-creation
• cultural capital
• heritage attraction
• creative spaces
• rationale

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Notes on contributors

Stephen J. Shaw

Stephen Shaw is Associate Lecturer in Creativity, Events and Eventfulness at Goldsmiths University of London. His research centres on cityscapes and creativity in the spaces of emerging visitor economies.

Roger Bennett

Roger Bennett is, Visiting Professor of Marketing at Kingston University. His research focuses on non-profit marketing, especially in the arts.

Rita Kottasz

Rita Kottasz is, Associate Professor at Kingston University. Her research focuses on arts, heritage, non-profit and social marketing.