Abstract:
The use of tactical urbanism and creative place making in the revitalisation
of public space has received growing research interest. In Johannesburg, there
is evidence of these approaches in the revitalisation of The Wilds, a nature
reserve located near the inner-city. The Wilds experienced neglect and decline
due to increased crime. By the mid-2010s, an artist championed the bottom-up
revitalisation of The Wilds through routine maintenance, the introduction of
public art, and events to encourage engagement with the space. This study draws on personal communication and semi-structured interviews with key informants
and utilises netnography. It was found that the use of public art and social media
resulted in an increase in visitor numbers and volunteers who assisted in the
maintenance, restoration and engagement with the space. The use of tactical
urbanism and creative place making, however, has brought volunteers into conflict with the city over the usage and co-management of The Wilds.
