The purpose of this study is to review theoretically the strategies, effects and problematic issues of cultural flagship projects in advanced industrial countries and derive some policy implications for regenerating the city center. As many older indu...
The purpose of this study is to review theoretically the strategies, effects and problematic issues of cultural flagship projects in advanced industrial countries and derive some policy implications for regenerating the city center. As many older industrial cities in the US and Europe have suffered inner city decline problems after the decen- tralization of economic activity and population, they have become more conscious of the need to regenerate city center, in the late 1980s. Urban regeneration is comprehensive and integrated vision and action which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental conditions of derelict urban areas. Cultural flagship projects for regenerating the city center are central to promotional strategies that seek to transform the image of declining older industrial cities. We define cultural flagship projects as cultural development focusing attention on the cultural heritage and cultural facilities which play an influential role in urban regeneration. Many European cities implemented regeneration strategies based upon flagship projects that have been strongly influenced by the experience of US origins. The primary functions of flagship projects seems to produce beneficial impact such as creating physical regeneration, attracting investment and skilled workforce and increasing tourism and employment. And, Cultural strategies form the cornerstones of city's place marketing strategy. However, in the cases of Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Manchester, flagship projects have drawn many controversial issues. Flagship projects generate issues of redistribution such as spatial separation between business, cultural, entertainment center and the decaying neighborhoods of poor inhabitants. There is little evidence that the economic benefits flowing from investment in flagship projects will trickle down to local communities. They contribute, in some cases, to displacement and spatial segregation by social class. The cost of maintaining flagships can constitute a long term drain on public finances. It is also clear that imitation effects resulting in the proliferation of standardized models which do not take the characteristics of the locality, can contribute to the cultural standardization. City center regeneration policy is reasonable in terms of sustainable development and smart growth. But, it is necessary to adopt foreign experience after careful consideration.