Making Space for Culture(s) in Boomtown. Some Alternative Futures for Development, Ownership and Participation in Leeds City Centre

Abstract

This paper looks at what kinds of spaces are emerging for cultures in Leeds, a city dubbed ‘boomtown’, due to an strong external appearance of a prosperous city on the move. What we suggest is that, while there is commitment to broad definitions of ‘culture’ as a way of life, on the ground, culture often equates to promoting property development and attracting mobile investment. We ask what are the barriers to doing cultures differently, and offer practical alternatives, in terms of development, ownership and participation, that could make space for different ideas and practices of cultures in boomtown Leeds.