Policy tools sustaining cultural quarters: multilateralism, spatial integration

In the last decade, greater attention has been given to the role of cultural heritage and the arts in revitalizing and regenerating central and peripheral areas of contemporary cities, and in particular to cultural quarters. This paper argues that the actions undertaken by public, private and nonprofit actors to sustain cultural quarters can be better understood in terms of multilateral policy tools. Drawing on a preliminary exploration of the cultural quarter of Ferrara, this paper raises questions regarding the use and integration of different tools in the support of cultural quarters and their urban effects. This exploration puts forth theoretical issues and policy challenges regarding the use of multiple tools and their implications for sustaining cultural quarters.