Dynamics Behind the Rise of a Creative Space? A Creative Quarter Development in Belgrade

Abstract

In post-transitional urban developments in Central and Eastern Europe, increasing importance of artists and other stakeholders of the creative sector has come with a delay. Particular in Serbia this delay is even more pronounced, because of the country’s complex situation at the end of the 20th century (civil war, isolation, late political transition etc.). Whereas the rise of creative milieus and the increasing role of artists in the shaping of city quarters became a widespread and well-known trend in Western cities, Southeastern European cities for a long time did not elaborate any strategies about involving artists in contemporary urban developments. Thus, city quarter development in regard to strengthen creativity and creative businesses is a new phenomenon in these cities. On the one hand these spaces are shaped by creative dynamics and inspired be artists, on the other, by governance mechanisms and by influence of different non-artistic stakeholders. This chapter presents a case study of the quarter of Savamala in Belgrade. In this case of an emerging creative neighborhood various stakeholders are involved in urban development of the district. Through interviews with stakeholders urban dynamics are identified, as well as governance mechanisms which lay behind the transformation of this quarter. The new development initiatives and the public image of Savamala as a quarter of creativity are reconsidered. The question of future development possibilities in regard to the various stakeholders involved, their interests, and powers is also posed.