Public spaces in the context of the networked citizen and multicultural societies

Abstract

This chapter addresses the new condition of public culture emerging at the nexus of urban design, cultural practices, public participation and digital media platforms. Artistic and cultural events are increasingly staged outside institutional walls, and these contemporary uses of public spaces are transforming the modes of spectatorship, consumption and cultural production. 'Event spaces' are formed by this interweaving of cultural production and public engagement. These event spaces are frequently evident in street cultural festivals, and they are increasingly sought in arts precincts. Yet, while there is a boom in the construction of arts precincts, not all precincts succeed in stimulating..