Lure of cultural districts is hard to ignore

What could be better than exploring cultural districts that bring together the creme de la creme of the art world? Immersing ourselves in the delights of cultural and creative experiences is nothing short of a whimsical experience. That is why cities across the globe are capitalizing on their priceless cultural treasures and brilliant creatives to design pockets of cultural districts across city maps in a way that feels urbane, yet distinctive. A typical cultural district enjoys a ravishing aesthetic appearance, not to mention an attractive menu of cultural activities at museums, performance halls, art galleries, libraries, heritage sites, retail outlets and dining establishments.

Across the globe, urban planners are integrating cultural districts as exciting signposts within urban regeneration strategies. Such an investment can unlock numerous benefits, which research points out include generating jobs, attracting tourism, luring creative enterprises, boosting property values, elevating income levels, being a magnet for well-educated creative classes, and contributing to a vibrant and creative hub.

Cultural districts may also be best placed to drive global and local tourism, seeing that they harness a unique mix of offerings. The World Tourism Organization estimates that cultural tourists make up 40 percent of tourism globally, also citing it as one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. Such investments would also pave the way for job creation schemes, preservation of cultural heritage, and regeneration of urban and rural areas. Studies also suggest that regular access to creative and cultural activities play a pivotal role in enhancing citizens’ physical and mental wellbeing, while solidifying social cohesion, fostering cultural understanding and boosting citizen pride in their heritage.

Major tourism players have been luring visitors with an exhilarating array of experiences at local cultural districts, such as Paris, Seoul, Melbourne, London and New York. The case of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong helps illustrate the prominence of cultural districts. This spectacular 40-hectare urban space overlooks the spellbinding Victoria Harbor and brings together an exceptional menu of cultural activities.

Across the globe, urban planners are integrating cultural districts as exciting signposts within urban regeneration strategies

Sara Al-Mulla

The Hong Kong Palace Museum was recently inaugurated in July 2022 as a 7,800-square-meter gallery space displaying over 900 priceless remarkable paintings, calligraphy, decorative arts, and rare books from the Palace Museum. The M+ building, opened in November 2021, aims to be one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to modern and contemporary visual culture. The Art Park is a gorgeous green space where visitors can picnic, walk pets, ride bikes, relax and play. Visitors can also enjoy many open-air performances, cultural events and exhibitions, as well as grab a meal at the harbor-side restaurants and cafes.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct is currently undergoing a massive transformation to become one of the top creative and cultural destinations globally. To realize this ambitious vision, the Victorian government announced a $1.7 billion budget to add new facilities to the area, including an 18,000-square-meter public garden, a gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design, expanded spaces for outdoor art and performances, transport upgrades, and spaces and facilities to support small and medium creative enterprises. It currently has one of the highest concentrations of cultural and creative organizations in the world and is home to world-class arts education and training institutions, art galleries, theaters, music venues, public art installations, studios, creative co-working spaces and restaurants.

Another example is the Cultural District in Pittsburgh’s downtown, a lively arts and entertainment scene that lures over 2 million visitors annually. The 14-square-block area is dotted with seven outstanding theaters, a dozen art galleries, eight public parks and art installations, 50 dining establishments and 90 retail outlets. Furthermore, cultural aficionados are in for a treat all year as a multitude of fantastic events are on offer, including live entertainment, contemporary music, dance, visual art, classical music, operas, ballets, musicals and films.

The Arab world is also at the forefront of designing cultural districts that bedazzle visitors. The region boasts exceptional heritage sites, cultural treasures and contemporary works by local talents, which form the perfect combination to creating such districts. Policymakers and urban planners are encouraged to orchestrate these efforts within revitalized areas that celebrate the spectrum of cultural offerings that cities and creative classes can deliver. In tandem, attracting retail outlets, dining establishments, public parks, artist and production studios, and educational institutions should also be considered.

To illustrate a thriving example, the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi is home to museums, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and Zayed National Museum. The Al-Quoz Creative Zone in Dubai is gaining traction as a new creative hotspot, serving as a hub that offers rental spaces, facilities, services, and incentives for creative businesses and talents to thrive in the city. The zone’s mixed-use masterplan also includes affordable housing for more than 8,000 people, capacity to base 20,000 working creatives, and plans to boost creative spaces, recreational services and commercial outlets on completion.

Nearby in Kuwait City, the Kuwait National Cultural District thrills visitors with its striking architecture and exceptional cultural offerings. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center is a multi-disciplinary public space, organizing events in music, theater, film, and educational workshops. Additionally, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center is built on a 13-hectare site and includes a number of fascinating museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science and Technology Museum, the Arabic Islamic Science Museum, and the Space Museum.

Arab countries have a unique opportunity to leverage cultural districts in a way that celebrates their cultures while fashioning more inclusive societies and driving economic growth.

• Sara Al-Mulla is an Emirati civil servant with an interest in human development policy and children’s literature. She can be contacted at www.amorelicious.com