Arts communities deserve protection

In many towns and cities in the developed world, there is a pernicious relationship between the creative and the moneyed sectors of society.

It goes something like this: A once industrialized area of the city becomes a bit run-down and depopulated, with many unoccupied residential and factory buildings. Seeing a lot of lovely space and cheap rents, creative people move in. They are young artists, musicians, designers and craftspeople who need studio and work space (as well as cheap rent).

The area begins to thrive and attract attention from the media. Newly fashionable, the area also begins to attract young professionals and, of course, developers. Rents rise, the creative types have to move out, and those with deep pockets - along with expensive boutiques and restaurants - take their place.