'Art for the People, Art by the People' by Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi

This publication is of Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi’s research project at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, summarizing over a decade of artistic research in Italy, Finland, and Belgium. His research centers around the role of participatory art in urban regeneration, specifically how collaborative participatory artistic practices can activate communities, foster empowerment, and build resilience by integrating local resources, traditions, and histories. This approach is central to the mission of Spazio Nour, the cultural organization he founded, which uses art as a means to strengthen communities and challenge socio-economic disparities.

At the heart of the research is a theoretical framework that situates participatory art within broader historical, cultural, and social contexts. By analyzing the intersections of art, community, and urban transformation, the research examines how participatory art can address pressing urban issues such as criminality, gentrification, displacement, and the fragmentation of social bonds. Through a series of case studies in Milan, Antwerp, and Fossa, the research reveals how art can drive social impact, not merely by inspiring immediate action but through sustained engagement that empowers communities to take ownership of their collective narratives and creative processes.

The research stresses that participatory art can only achieve lasting impact when embedded in the fabric of the community, with long-term commitments and follow-up efforts to ensure the continuity of the work. The case studies underscore the significance of adapting artistic practices to the unique needs and dynamics of each community, whether it’s navigating language barriers, understanding shifting urban landscapes, or fostering a culture of collaboration. In these contexts, art emerges as a catalyst for change and also for solidarity, offering a space for marginalized voices and helping to build bridges between diverse social groups.

This research reflects Saleh Mohammadi’s broader artistic practice, which is centred around the belief that art can be a powerful tool for cultural dialogue, social cohesion, and community empowerment.

56 pages double-sided Leporello