The ambivalence of cultural heritage policies: creative cities and gentrification in Florence

Florence's bid for UNESCO Creative Cities Network status in 2019 reveals the dual-edged nature of cultural heritage policies, where urban planning and gentrification often go hand-in-hand. The study demonstrates that Florence serves as a unique model blending artisanal traditions with digital innovation, embodying neoliberal ideals of uniqueness and replicability. Through a year-long ethnographic investigation, the research uncovers how discursive practices surrounding cultural heritage intersect with critical urban issues like historic city center reassessment, renewal, gentrification, and smartification. This analysis highlights the complex interplay between heritage preservation and contemporary urban development, offering insights into the broader implications of such policies on global cities.

Meloni, P. (2025). The ambivalence of cultural heritage policies: creative cities and gentrification in Florence. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 31(5), 541–558. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2025.2476449