I wonder what healing power is ascribed to ?culture? in urban renewal strategies. Since the 80s, the value of musea, events and shiny waterfront developments for urban regeneration grew to the attention of policymakers. Even in deprived neighbourhoods, culture is increasingly seen as an important tool for improvement. But is culture actually this wonder medicine? I plea for a wide interpretation of culture as a signifier and a value maker.

Near the centre of The Hague (Netherlands) lays the urban neighbourhood ?Schilderswijk? [Painters-district]. In the streets you can find the most beautiful paintings of Dutch Masters. For free and day and night!