The Socio-cultural Significance of Street Art in Urban Recreation Spaces

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces. This study has provided insights into how street art enriched urban environments by reflecting community identity, fostering social interaction, and promoting cultural expression. It highlighted the need for inclusive policies to support street art's positive impact while addressing regulatory challenges. Overall, the research underscored street art's role as a dynamic force for social change and community empowerment within urban landscapes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Symbolic Interactionism theory, Place Attachment theory and Critical theory may be used to anchor future studies on the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces. The study made comprehensive recommendations across theory, practice, and policy domains. The research emphasized the importance of advancing theoretical frameworks to capture the multifaceted nature of street art's impact, fostering collaboration between street artists, urban planners, and community stakeholders in practice, and advocating for the development of supportive regulatory frameworks and policies at the policy level. By engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives and promoting community-led initiatives, the study aimed to enhance our understanding of street art's role in shaping urban landscapes and fostering social cohesion and cultural expression.