Finding common ground: the conception of community arts festivals as spaces for placemaking

The present research posits the significant role that arts and cultural festivals play in contributing to placemaking and generating well-being within communities. Placemaking is recognized to be important when considering how to improve population health and well-being, and festivals can be seen to amplify those benefits. Drawing on qualitative data gathered from interviews with festival organizers in south-east England and deploying theories of space from Foucault and Massey, the present article posits that community arts and cultural festivals can support the positive creation or transformation of pro-social spaces that could support community acceptance and well-being, the ability to live together and cohesively and accepting difference