Planning for the arts - an urban renaissance? A critique of arts policy and town planning and their relationship

The study examines the development of arts policy and town planning in the United Kingdom and investigates their relationship in the provision of arts and cultural amenity in urban contexts. The historic evolution of arts planning is taken through the pre and post-Welfare State periods, concentrating on national arts and related environmental, urban and economic policies. The evolution of town planning in Britain is assessed both in terms of urban policy and planning and as they affect arts provision and development. The position of London and the 'regions' is assessed in terms of the distribution of arts resources, in the light of the Arts Council's 'Glory of the Garden' strategy (1984) and subsequent initiatives and this is extended to the increasing influence of European policy through cultural and economic development programmes. The adoption of economic rationales for arts provision and investment is assessed in terms of the shift towards a cultural industries approach to local economic development. Arts-led tourism and the use of cultural attractions as part of inward investment and image improvement strategies are contrasted with the provision of local arts facilities, taking the example of the arts centre and workspace for artist and crafts producer. The application of planning standards for leisure and recreation is evaluated in terms of arts amenity planning and the relative outcomes of arts versus sports provision. Two surveys of London local authorities assess the adoption of arts and urban regeneration measures and the place of arts amenities in local land-use plans. The results are then compared with other citiesin the UK and overseas. A detailed analysis of one London borough, Isli ngton, is made in terms of arts policy and provision in the context of the national planning regimes operating during the 1980s. A local cultural quarter, Clerkenwell, is then investigated in terms of the impact of such policy and planning changes on artist, crafts and other cultural production and premises usage. The thesis develops the case for the utilisation of arts planning standards and the results suggest an integrated policy and planning approach to local arts provision, and to economic and cultural development, at both local and regional levels