SUNScholar - Browsing by Author "Campbell, Emma"

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Gentrification and “artwashing” in Salt River, Cape Town
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Campbell, Emma; Donaldson, Ronnie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Artwashing is a classic profit-driven regeneration manoeuvre used by councils and developers in their attempts to emulate normal organic, artist-led gentrification processes by purposefully guiding and encouraging artists to move into areas of cities which they wish to see developed or rejuvenated. The presence of the artists in these new contrived contexts is conceived, from the beginning, as an interim measure for reshaping areas of decay. Since 2016 the organisation Baz-Art has created over 200 murals in the inner-city areas of Cape Town, with many of them in lower residential Salt River. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods this study demonstrates that the environment in Salt River has become conducive to gentrification and that the signs of early-stage gentrification are visible. This is supported by the presence of urban decay and contrasting signs of improvement, state-led regeneration strategies, property valuation and price trends, efforts by the state and private sector and a lack of meaningful artwork. The study stresses the importance of creative policy solutions to promote inclusivity, while empowering local communities and ensuring growth and prosperity.