ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a step-by-step process of systematic identification and evaluation, and strategic shortlisting and selection of formal and informal spaces in the neighbourhood that offer the most suitable and conducive conditions for hosting community arts and culture events and activities. A set of criteria that contributes to good quality public spaces and the requirements pertinent to performing and holding specific arts and culture activities and events was distilled from the relevant literature as well as through the interviews with artists, arts event organisers and the residents. Evaluation of neighbourhood spaces against these criteria assist in better understanding the spatial opportunities in the neighbourhood based on the strengths and weaknesses of available spaces and selecting those that fit the requirements of particular planned arts and culture programmes. Spatial opportunity analysis was conducted in five arts and culture touch-points and their respective neighbourhoods. The analysis shows that the nodes differ significantly in respect to spatial capacities, extent and frequency of utilising and activating neighbourhood public spaces. Yet, they all, in their own ways, contribute to the overall “Arts and Culture Nodes” strategy in terms of the geographical distribution, outreach and development of neighbourhood arts ecology.
