"Culturephilia" for whom and where? Questioning the 'curing qualities' of culture in a 'post-Troubles' city: an analysis of Derry/Londonderry

Culture is ascribed a transformatory role in cities' futures (Garcia, 2017); Boland et al (2019) term this 'culturephilia'. In particular, city leaders expend enormous effort competing to host events such as European Capital of Culture and UK City of Culture. A key component of the literature analyses the legacy of cultural events (Hudec et al, 2019; Bernardino et al, 2018; Falk & Hagsten, 2017; Németh, 2016; Belfiore, 2015; Lähdesmäki, 2014). In Derry/Londonderry (D/L) culture is mobilised to confront entrenched socio-economic problems. Hosting the inaugural UK City of Culture (CoC) was massive. Alongside the ubiquitous economic ambitions, for a divided society 'peace and reconciliation' were prioritised. Post-2013, cultural events continue to be supported. However, the Council acknowledges it lacks rigorous research on long-term legacy issues, feeding criticism from certain stakeholders on the wisdom of cultural funding amidst constrained budgets. This PhD, in collaboration with the Council, will fill the evidential void by providing in-depth analysis of the long-term legacy of cultural events, building upon previous work by Boland (2017, 2018a, b, 2019). The completion date is 2023, a decade after CoC, so the research will facilitate timely and invaluable internal debate within the Council on the merits of cultural funding. The research questions are:

1. What are the long-term legacy impacts of cultural events in D/L?
2. Do the economic benefits of cultural events reach disadvantaged communities?
3. Can cultural planning help depoliticise and neutralise contested cityspaces?
4. To what extent do cultural events improve community relations and tolerance of difference?
5. Is the Council's spending on cultural events justifiable and worthwhile?