[THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL POLICY IN URBAN REGENERATION] Dr. Dimitris G. Mylonas The contribution of cultural policy in urban regeneration Dr. Dimitris G. Mylonas, Department Head at the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece Cities which exploited their countries’ rich subsoil increased the production of minerals during the industrial revolution and were able to achieve rapid economic and social growth. This incident was unequivocal and concerned only one field of exploitation. Therefore it was inevitable that sometime in the future this progress would decline. Typical examples of unilateral subsequent rapid industrialization and deindustrialization development are those of Bilbao in Spain and Sheffield in Britain. Both cities were considered significant centers of world’s steel production by the end of the 1960’s. Due to deindustrialization during the next three decades, the above cities mentioned, were led to economic and population collapse. This stagnation was accompanied by serious problems, such as high unemployment rates, socio-­‐
political unrest, and environmental degradation. The growth and progress of these two cities can be compared to those of the two largest cities of our region, Kozani and Ptolemaida. Following a steep increase in the industry field during the last three decades, and once the appearance of a drop in industrial activity occurred, the prefecture of Kozani tended to adopt features of deindustrialization. Features, such as, environmental degradation, population stagnation, rising unemployment ( it comes first in all statistical studies) which show evidence of the lack of industrial production. Is it possible for our region to emerge from the crisis with the implementation of a new development course? A positive response can be given to this question by using of the examples of the course of the two European cities, Bilbao and Sheffield. These cities can also be seen as good practice for the rebirth and regeneration of the urban environment. The same solution which was applied in the above mentioned cities has been applied in cities in North America and Europe and is known as that of cultural renaissance. The approach used in Bilbao and Sheffield includes a set of actions and measures, such as organizing cultural events of national and international scale, the funding of architectural projects and the creation of new cultural spaces. Indications of such programs are implemented through the use of the new architectural trends in urban renewal. Cultural policy has been seen as a means of differentiation of the local 1. Bilbao, Gugenheim museum economy by promoting the tertiary sector, attracting investments and by the revitalization of local features. The use of cultural policy in urban Page 1 [THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL POLICY IN URBAN REGENERATION] Dr. Dimitris G. Mylonas regeneration has occurred in American cities during the decades of the '70s and '80s. A typical, and an early example, is that of Baltimore. Correspondingly, the cities of Glasgow and Barcelona have played a leading role in the use of cultural policy, in Europe. In this case, Bilbao and Sheffield invested in ambitious programs of urban regeneration, while taking into account the factor of cultural dimension. Sheffield, due to the general political policy pursued by Britain’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, funded the program with funds resulting from the private sector along with funds resulting from the collaboration of the public and private sector. On the other hand, Bilbao relied primarily on the public administration in particular redevelopment projects, though accepting and agreeing to partnerships with the private sector. Another great difference between the two approaches is the degree of involvement and engagement of citizens in the regeneration process. In Sheffield it had to do with actively involved citizens. In Bilbao the approach used began from the top of the pyramid, the involvement of local authority, and dispersed to citizens without seeking their direct involvement. Finally, a common factor for both cities is that they raised significant funds from the European Regional Development Fund. The point of reference in both redevelopment programs was the dogma: fostering an attractive image of the city leads to attracting investments. Both programs were based on promotion of cultural policy. The ultimate achievement was the creation of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by the internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry which opened in 1997. The two cities were not only content to enhancing their centers with remarkable 2. Sheffield, Millennium Galleries architecture. They completed further substantial interventions in neighborhoods, such as restorations of old neighborhoods and monuments. A point of interest is the attitude adopted by the two cities regarding the policies of economic restructuring that they followed. From the beginning Sheffield tried to stop the decline in industrial production, while Bilbao invested in creating a high-­‐tech field, leaving behind the previous industrial course. The result was the greatest tourist attraction, the Guggenheim museum. Experts have concluded that there are three keystones of success in both programs: the promotion of economic life (investment growth, combating unemployment), the improvement of social conditions (the increase of social cohesion through targeted social policies at Sheffield) and the enhancement – improvement of the physical environment of the city (rehabilitation of historical centers, creating new centers, impressive architecture 3. Sheffield, Winter Garden and urban design, creating spaces and a large public transport network). Page 2 [THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL POLICY IN URBAN REGENERATION] Dr. Dimitris G. Mylonas Opposing opinions, regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of these programs and especially in the case of the construction of the Guggenheim Museum, were not absent. The criticism focused on the estrangement of the city from its cultural roots and the fact that there was no connection between the activities of the museum and the Basque culture. However, the museum has become the undisputed symbol of the city through the implementation of innovative design. Thus creating separate urban landscapes that are strongly linked with the local cultural heritage. In this way both cities have acquired a new urban identity. As a consequence of the above circumstances, it is understood that the implementation of cultural policies in de-­‐
industrialized cities can influence urban renewal and economic restructuring. Architectural design plays an important role in this endeavor. Both cities of our region have to begin to progress in a similar pattern. Through well-­‐planned cultural policies it is possible to restore and revive these cities. Kozani possesses an important triptych, that which consists of the Archaeological Museum of Aiani, the Municipal Library with the new building which is under construction and the Folklore Museum, all of which have great potential. Correspondingly, Ptolemaida has the complex of a former fertilization industry, which deteriorates day by day and has been led to absolution. This complex may become the starting point for a program which instigates urban regeneration along with a cultural dimension. It is time to capitalize on the success of all these cities, which evolve through the promotion of creativity and dynamism at a local level, with the objective to achieve a harmonious advanced community, a community as seen through the eyes of Amartya Sen. 4. Biblao, Calatrava bridge Page 3