Property booms in London are causing the disappearance of artistic workspaces such as rehearsal rooms and studios, a major new international study has warned.
The World Cities Culture Report examines how arts and culture affects 32 cities across the globe, including London, New York, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
The newly published 2015 report estimates London will lose around 30% of its current artistic workspaces over the next four years due to rising rents, which it describes as “a major blow to a city where creativity is a huge part of its reputation and economic identity”.
It also claims London has lost 35% of its live music venues in the past eight years, a similar figure to that cited in the Music Venues Taskforce report in October.
While the report lauds the rapid economic growth seen by large cities across the world, it warns that rising property prices are causing the gentrification of areas previously affordable for artists.
The report, compiled by BOP Consulting, goes on to suggest artists are being priced out of working and living spaces in cities such as London, which it claims “threatens the creativity that brings a city to life in the first place”.
It states: “A lack of affordable workspace prevents cities from nurturing new, radical and provocative ideas. It creates an environment that stifles innovation”.
These warnings echo the concerns of playwright Simon Stephens, who claimed earlier this year the capital was “becoming unsustainable as a city for artistic creativity”.
More than 150 artists, business leaders, entrepreneurs and politicians were interviewed as evidence for the WCC report.
Among those quoted was director Ivo van Hove, who claimed the individuality of theatre in cities such as London was under threat by the increasing influence of multinational corporations.
“With globalisation comes homogenisation: city centres around the world all looking alike due to the strong presence of global brands and corporations, ultimately ending the existence of local, original commerce and culture,” he said.
The WCC report was commissioned by the World Culture Cities Forum – a network of major cities around the world that was founded by London mayor Boris Johnson in 2012.
A summit of the Forum’s member cities will take place in London between November 18 and 20, where representatives hope to develop long-term policies that will “put culture at the heart of future city planning”.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Johnson said: “Culture should of course be experienced and enjoyed for its own sake, but it also has a powerful role to play in helping our cities to thrive, economically and socially.”
“At a time when we all need to tighten our belts, it may seem less of a priority, but it is intrinsic to what makes a successful city tick,” he added.