Beyond the tourism-led-development logic: the role of art and culture in outlining new spatial planning policies in post- pandemic Lezha.

Abstract

The article deals with art interventions’ role in developing new spatial planning solutions for the Lezha region in the post-pandemic era, from a perspective of social and economic sustainability. Lezha is a strategic area for tourism development in Albania, but this opportunity also gives way to some emerging issues in its development, most of which have been further emphasized by the pandemics: the main one is avoiding the development of an economic model entirely dependent on tourism and improving locals’ quality of life by addressing an increasing need for quality public spaces and participation. In fact, as demonstrated by the pandemics, tourism’s revenue is not always a reliable economic source. Furthermore, when planning economic strategies to make a region wealthier, it is crucial to think about parallel social interventions to improve locals’ quality of life. The article explores on the one hand art’s potentialities linked to placemaking, critical reflection, creation of sense of belonging and locals’ involvement, thus going beyond the mere promotion of cultural tourism, on the other hand its limits: the final aim should not be to create one more “open air museum”, but to address public interest. Finally, the paper suggests some possible applications in Lezha, including a program of artistic residencies to be organized once a year in collaboration with agro-tourisms in Zadrima, with the objective of introducing socially engaged art projects all over the region.