Culture to weave the fragmented city. Cultural policies and the construction of inclusive cities

Abstract

Cultural vitality is necessary for the City. It permeates all of the spheres of urban life and lays the basis for liberties, exchange of ideas and social welfare (UNESCO, 2017). In this context, this article will deal with cultural strategies as an object of public policies and urban interventions in urban revitalization programmes oriented to mitigate the consequences of urban fragmentation present in Latin American cities which is characterized by low spatial integration and a disassociated society. The starting point is the acknowledgment of cultural rights for all citizens, addressing guidelines which remark the importance of culture in the sustainable development of cities presenting amongst the outstanding: the role of local authorities in the translation of international cultural policies for the creation and support of action and dialogue spaces and the planning and implementation of policies and cultural programmes which recognize the value of intangible and tangible patrimony, cultural diversity, creativity; and the role of inclusive people-oriented urban design able to capitalize the effective exchange of diverse citizenship as well as counter urban violence among other urban challenges stemming from the pressures of rapid and massive urbanization. This article aims to reflect on the development of effective mechanisms for the creation of responsible urban policies and strategies that are based on the reality of our cities and promote inclusive approaches for the eradication of all forms of discrimination in cities.