Popular Music Heritage, Cultural Justice and the Deindustrialising City

The celebration of popular music can be a powerful form of cultural expression and a source of pride for urban communities. This Element explores how popular music heritage can promote cultural justice in deindustrializing cities, focusing on collection, preservation, curation, storytelling, and community mobilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The vibrant celebration of popular music holds immense significance as a powerful cultural expression and a source of immense pride for urban communities across the globe. In this insightful Element, we delve into the remarkable capacity of popular music heritage to serve as a catalyst for cultural justice in the deindustrializing cities of Wollongong, Australia; Detroit, USA; and Birmingham, UK. Through a critical lens, we explore how music and the city intertwine, shaping a rich tapestry of heritage and identity.

We develop a comprehensive approach to cultural justice, examining the ways in which music and the city can be leveraged to address historical inequalities and promote social equity. Our analysis reveals that the pursuit of cultural justice manifests in three fundamental ways: the collection, preservation, and archiving of musical artifacts and narratives; the curation, storytelling, and heritage interpretation of popular music; and the mobilization of communities for collective action and change.

By examining these interrelated aspects, we shed light on the ways in which popular music heritage can be a force for positive transformation in deindustrializing cities. It serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of urban communities, as they harness the power of music to reclaim their narratives, preserve their cultural heritage, and foster a sense of belonging and pride.

Moreover, this Element highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of cultural justice. It calls upon scholars, artists, community organizations, and policymakers to work together to create inclusive and sustainable spaces that celebrate the diversity of popular music and its role in shaping urban identities.

In conclusion, the celebration of popular music holds immense potential as a tool for cultural expression, social justice, and community empowerment. By examining the capacity of popular music heritage to enact cultural justice in deindustrializing cities, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of music in shaping our collective heritage and identity. Let us continue to support and promote the vibrant legacy of popular music, as it continues to inspire and drive positive change in our cities and beyond.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009066204