Toward the progressive scene : creative activism in Marseille and Istanbul

Abstract

Reflecting on the role of cultural actors in the progressive city, this paper draws on the concept of scene that Straw defines as “clusters of social and cultural activity.” I argue that the mobilization of creative activists enables the emergence of progressive scenes that create political awareness, stimulate new forms of participation and experiment alternative visions of the city. In Marseille and Istanbul such scenes question urban growth policies through ironical statements and parody. They set up utopian, participatory and convivial urban experimentations, which are conceived as replicable and may spread to other cities. Thus this analysis goes beyond the common analysis of artists as contributors to cities’ vibrancy, attractiveness, in order to put forward their role as social and political actors.