Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

With four decades of Scottish experiences and a case study focus on historic, contested and currently derelict dry docks on Govan’s Waterfront Govan Graving Docks), this paper examines the possibilities and limitations of artistic interventionism and community visioning for their future. Transformation of the narrative from ‘build 700 high rise flats’ to recognition of their potential as engines for community regeneration has taken place (with the focus on heritage value and recreation but also including much needed employment through the return of ship repair) although it is remains difficult to prove causality. The next stages are much more complex: delivering the community’s co-created narrative in real planning outcome. What are the ingredients required to support artists and the communities facilitate to break the boundaries of narrative, and make the leap into planning for real and ultimately, tangible outputs on the ground.