Why artists are vital to space activation

Recent pilot programs to re-activate public spaces post-pandemic reveal artists’ important role in these processes.
a group of people in a laneway under a light installation

The question of how we – as collectives and communities – are remerging from the pandemic and inhabiting public space again is on the minds of many right now.

Will our local precincts be used as before? Are we flocking to them with new-found thirst? Or is a sense of staying in and opting out has taken greater hold? (see the ‘goblin mode’ trend doing the rounds on social media for a look at that particular sub-culture).

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ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).