Van Gogh in the Neighborhood: Creative Placemaking and Community Art in Singapore. Issue 5 (14th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, T. C.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the American Association of Geographers. Volume 112:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1500
• Page End: 1517
• Publication Date: 2022-06-14
• Subjects: art -- community -- creativity -- placemaking -- Singapore; 艺术 -- 社区 -- 创意 -- 场所营造 -- 新加坡。; arte -- comunidad -- construcción de lugar -- creatividad -- Singapur; Geography -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Geography; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1080/24694452.2021.1977108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2469-4452

Abstract

Abstract : Creative placemaking is a process involving different sectors of society as they collaborate in cultural activities, deepening their relations with each other and the place in which they live and work. As a supposed panacea to the woes of poorly planned spaces and apathetic communities, it hopes to address social exclusion and generate feelings of belonging as the environment is culturally and collectively enhanced. Applying the dual concepts of creative placemaking and community art, this article explores the phenomenon of Void Deck Galleries in Singapore. As more spaces in public residential environments are filled with community-created art works, the relationships between the state, artists, and local communities demand critical examination. Empirical data derived from fieldwork in three void decks in Singapore reveal a proactive state, the coordinating role of an arts organization, and the involvement of an enthusiastic although largely passive local population. The full potential for creative placemaking in Singapore remains frustrated, however, and the discussion identifies reasons for this while also contemplating avenues toward its future accomplishment.