Bonding and bridging: Social cohesion in collaborative cultural practices in shared local spaces

Participation in arts and culture is often claimed to enhance community-building and social cohesion. However, our knowledge as to what kinds of communities and cohesion cultural institutions offer, and under what conditions, is limited. The article contributes to this knowledge by studying social cohesion in citizens’ own practices of culture in localized groups and shared spaces. More particularly, it explores a specific type of cultural institution: cultural centres that combine the presentation of art with creative and social activities for professionals and amateurs alike. Analysing qualitative data collected in Danish cultural centres as part of the research project “Participate: Citizen participation in Danish cultural centres” (2019–2023), the article asks: What forms of social cohesion are generated in selected collaborative cultural activities in shared local spaces?