Speaker
Description
In recent years, the balance between urban and rural areas has globally shifted significantly in the metropolitan areas -driven by increasing internal migration from cities towards rural regions accelerating since the Covid 19 period. This migration has brought substantial social and spatial transformations, often resulting in processes of ‘rural gentrification’. Consequently, rural spaces are reshaped, leading to changes in their economic, social, and cultural structures. The term ‘gentrification’ was initially introduced by sociologist Ruth Glass in 1964 to describe the transformation of urban neighborhoods, where middle- and upper-class individuals moved in, causing significant changes (Glass, 1964). David Parsons (1978) expanded this concept to rural contexts, coining the term rural gentrification to explain how urban influences reshape rural spaces in worldwide. Drawing on Glass’s work on gentrification and Parsons’ extension to rural contexts, further developed by Nelson, Smith, and Phillips, this study focuses in Urla, an emerging rural area in Izmir – the third metropolitan area in Türkiye.
In the framework of this theoretical context, the study examines how an art space Urladam mediates between traditional rural identities and transformative gentrification dynamics. In this regard, Duxbury underscores the role of art spaces in rural revitalization and social cohesion, highlighting their potential to address socio-spatial challenges in rural communities (Duxbury, 2011).
This study explores how Urladam, an art centre located at Urla, rural coastal area of Izmir, operates as a transformative public space within rural gentrification, fostering inclusivity and connecting rural-urban dynamics. Urladam fosters social interaction and cultural identity in rural contexts by connecting local communities and newcomers, facilitating cultural exchange, and encouraging participation. As a threshold, it bridges rural-urban identities while addressing socio-spatial inequalities and promoting inclusion and equity through enhanced social cohesion and engagement. A key focus of this study is publicness, which explores how spaces foster public interaction and engagement. In art spaces like Urladam, publicness encompasses inclusivity, cultural exchange, and participation, bridging rural and urban identities.
This study uses a hybrid methodology to investigate Urladam’s social, cultural, and spatial roles within the rural area of Urla. The theoretical foundation is established through literature and archival reviews, while spatial analysis examines Urladam’s integration into Urla’s rural-urban fabric. Additionally, observational visits and semi-structured interviews with the art center’s founders provide valuable insights into its design, operations, and societal contributions. By combining a universal theoretical framework with localized observations, this approach aims to assess the extent to which art spaces can serve as inclusive public platforms. The study critically examines Urladam’s aspiration to function as a transformative public space and a threshold that bridges rural and urban dynamics, highlighting its complex role within the context of rural gentrification.
The study highlights Urladam as a bridge between rural traditions and urban influences, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Its inclusive design and diverse programs connect rural and urban identities, supporting socio-spatial transformation. Urladam demonstrates how public spaces can promote accessibility and inclusivity, mediating between contrasting dynamics for more equitable rural-urban relationships. The study examines how its social interaction, cultural exchange, and community engagement might accelerate rural gentrification in Urla, while questioning its success in achieving full inclusivity and equity. Despite its contributions to cultural production and public engagement, Urladam risks reinforcing socio-economic disparities by attracting urban influences that reshape rural identities.
In conclusion, the study highlights Urladam’s role in fostering inclusivity, cultural exchange, and public interaction within the context of rural gentrification. By bridging rural and urban dynamics, it demonstrates how art spaces and public spaces can contribute to equitable socio-spatial transformations. In this context, the findings emphasize the transformative potential of such spaces in shaping sustainable and inclusive rural futures.
References
Glass, R., 1964. London: Aspects of Change. London: Centre for Urban Studies.
Parsons, D.J., 1978. Rural Gentrification: The Influence of Rural Settlement Planning Policies. University of Sussex Research Paper. Brighton: University of Sussex.
Smith, D.P., Phillips, M., Brooking, H., Kinton, C. and Duer, M., 2019. The dynamics of rural gentrification and the effects of ageing on gentrified rural places. Journal of Rural Studies, 27, pp.343–354. https://doi.org/10.4422/ager.2019.13.
Nelson, P.B., 2018. Spatial and temporal scale in comparative approaches to rural gentrification. Dialogues in Human Geography, 8(1), pp.40–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/2043820617752006.
Duxbury, N., 2011. Creative spaces in small cities: A case for policy attention. Small Cities Imprint, 3(1),. Available at: https://smallcities.tru.ca/index.php/cura/article/view/39
| Keywords | Rural Gentrification; Public Spaces; Socio-Spatial Transformation |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
