9th April 2024
Street Art used as Beacon of Urban Regeneration
This year we are supporting the Hit the North Street Art Fesitval, HTN was initially established over a decade ago as part of rejuvenation efforts in the North Street area of Belfast. The festival’s influence and impact has grown significantly since then and it is credited for nurturing and developing Northern Ireland’s street art industry locally. In the last ten years, the festival has welcomed over 200 artists from all over the world.
Why are we doing this?
Let’s look at the impact of commissioned street art within our area. To delve into the transformative power of commissioned street art, we must first distinguish it from its illegal counterpart: graffiti.
Graffiti, often associated with vandalism and unauthorized markings on public or private property, represents a form of unsanctioned expression that can take away from the aesthetic appeal and safety of urban spaces.
How does it affect safety? Beyond its visual impact on the city, graffiti often creates perceptions of disorder and neglect, which can contribute to feelings of insecurity among residents and visitors. Research, as highlighted in “Does Graffiti Affect Safety On Our Streets?” by Penny Grubb, suggests that areas plagued by unchecked graffiti may experience heightened levels of fear and apprehension, leading to a decline in community cohesion and trust. That’s not to mention the property damage and personal safety issues, tagging done at a height or in derelict buildings comes with a real risk of injury.
In contrast, Commissioned Street art stands as a testament to the collaborative synergy between local artists, property owners, and community stakeholders. As described in articles such as “The Benefits of Street Art in Communities 2023,” It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of an area but stands as a vibrant testament to artistic innovation, community engagement, and urban revitalisation contributing to a greater sense of safety and well-being for all who are within the affected spaces. Street Art serves as a formidable deterrent to vandalism and antisocial behaviour, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of public spaces.
In stark contrast to illegal graffiti, commissioned street art breathes new life into the city, filling it with vibrancy. Research shown in “Does Graffiti Affect Safety On Our Streets?” by Penny Grubb, explains the pivotal role of street art in enhancing perceptions of safety and civic pride. By fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, commissioned street art sparks a renewed appreciation for our shared communal spaces.
Moreover, commissioned street art catalyzes economic revitalisation, drawing tourists and bolstering local businesses. Studies such as “The Economic Impact of Street Art on Neighborhoods: Evidence from New York City” shed light on the symbiotic relationship between street art installations and economic prosperity, underscoring their capacity to stimulate footfall and kick-start urban regeneration.
Commissioned street art epitomizes the essence of artistry, community engagement, and urban revitalization. While we walk down the city streets and see these magnificent works of art, take a beat to think about their power to rejuvenate, regenerate, establish a sense of safety, communal pride and overall improve our city-centre experience.
References:
- Book An Artist Team. “The Benefits of Street Art in Communities 2023.”
- Grubb, Penny. “Does Graffiti Affect Safety On Our Streets? Art, crime, or disturbing images?”
- Papers from the British Criminology Conference, Vol. 9.
- Hsieh, Yun-Wei et al. (2018) “The Economic Impact of Street Art on Neighborhoods: Evidence from New York City.” Journal of Urban Economics, 103, 1-14.
- Sui, Daniel Z. et al. (2020) “Public Perceptions of Street Art: A Case Study of Los Angeles.” Urban Studies, 57(3), 525-542.
