The exclusionary politics of creative communities: the case of Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays

McLean, H. and Rahder, B. (2013) The exclusionary politics of creative communities: the case of Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays. Canadian Journal of Urban Research, 22(1), pp. 99-111.

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Increasingly, urban boosters are promoting the ways artist and activist networks transform public streets into spaces of conviviality, play, and community building through creative interventions. However, such actions frequently undermine the very communities they say they are trying to support. Using the case of Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market, Toronto, we explore the role played by local artists and activists in contributing to local gentrification dynamics, and how their actions reflect broader socio-economic inequities in the city and beyond. Despite community activists' wish to challenge homogenized and corporatized urban redevelopment, and to build vibrant and engaged communities, the activists often unintentionally reinforce values that promote and benefit some members of the community at the expense and exclusion of working-class, immigrant, and racialized others.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McLean, Dr Heather
Authors: McLean, H., and Rahder, B.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Canadian Journal of Urban Research
Publisher:University of Winnipeg
ISSN:1188-3774

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record