Art Quote by Sharon Zukin
“I think the entrepreneurial activities that make art visible and attractive are what lure people into the amusement park that SoHo has become or that Bushwick or Williamsburg has become. It's not that outsiders come to an area because they hear artists are living there. A lot of people came who were not that interested in living with artists, but they were interested in living like artists and socializing the way that they thought artists socialized.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Loft Living: Culture and Capital in Urban Change, 2008
Artists' presence creates a marketable image that draws people seeking an artistic lifestyle, not genuine artistic communities.
In simple terms: People are attracted to the vibe of artists, not the artists themselves.
Key Takeaway
Focus on authentic community, not just aesthetic appeal.
Themes
gentrification
culture
urban development
authenticity
marketing
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- real estate investment
- neighborhood revitalization
- tourism marketing
- community building
Key Concepts
creative economies
social signaling
place branding
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of a neighborhood truly reflect its artistic spirit?
- How can cities balance cultural appeal with resident wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
It can lead to superficial commodification of culture, displacing original residents.
![“I've learned that the movies [Star Wars] will never finally end. It just goes on and on and on and on. I mean, it's going to be in 3D, then it's going to be smellivision, then it's going to be a ride in an amusement park, then they'll come to your house and perform it with puppets on your lawn…” quote by Mark Hamill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2dd/mark-hamill-16022_accepted_i-ve-learned-that-the-movies-star-wars-w_168958.jpg)
