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Art as a catalyst for urban renewal: a proposal for the creation of an art biennial in the city of Detroit
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Art as a catalyst for urban renewal: a proposal for the creation of an art biennial in the city of Detroit

Felicia E. Molnar
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4356
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Abstract

Arts--Management Art--Exhibitions Cities and towns--Growth--Economic aspects Inner cities--Economic aspects
In the late 19th Century, Detroit became a wealthy boomtown thanks to the automobile industry. However, political and economic upheavals in the late 20th century forced the city into a steep decline. At present, many private and public entities in Detroit are looking for new ways to support the revival of the city through economic development. It is very unusual these days for any urban renewal plan not to include reference to the role that the art organizations and arts buildings can potentially play in regeneration. This paper puts forth an argument for the launching/founding of the Detroit Contemporary Biennial (DCB) as an important component in building support for the arts and culture in the city, in the context of the potential positive economic impact it could have on the community. As part of this proposal we look to comparable cities and the impact that arts initiatives have had on revitalization strategies around the world.

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