Geography of art galleries in Brussels, Belgium: Just another story of retail gentrification? (original) (raw)

Art galleries occupy little yet significant place in works on gentrification and economic redevelopment of cities through culture. Because of their complex nature, aimed to sell symbolic goods, those places raise many issues about retail dynamics and urban transformations. In this paper, we aim to study the geography of art galleries in Brussels: despite the buzz recently observed about the city (‘new Berlin’ for artists and galleries ; success of the fair Art Brussels), art galleries have never been studied before in a geographical perspective. Do they follow common trends of (luxury) retail? Are they indicators of gentrification or artists’ presence? Do they contribute to the visibility and spatial permanence of art districts? Based on historical and contemporary data on art galleries (from the 1950’s, with a focus on the last 30 years), we analyze the geography of this retail activity and its factors (access to market, needs regarding space, real estate opportunities, etc.), before questioning the results with regards to wider trade dynamics and urban renewal processes. If 3 main historical clusters existed for decades, it is worth investigating at the margins of those spaces. Establishing a typology of art galleries based on their specialization in art and longevity, we will distinguish specific location patterns, looking for permanence and changes. Empirical material used includes statistical data, arts-related sources and field work, in order to draw up the geography of an object that offers original insight on recent urban dynamics.