Are the arts responsible for gentrification?

Chapter 1

Artists rebuilding a community in Madrid

Reina Sofia is one of Spain’s most important modern-art galleries. When it opened in 1992 the area was given an undeniable boost but true transformation came at the hands of a clutch of independent galleries. Liam Aldous reports.

Chapter 2

Belgrade’s overgentrified neighbourhood

The Savamala district in Belgrade is one of southeast Europe’s most celebrated cultural hubs. But now a massive Belgrade Waterfront development is threatening the artistic neighbourhood, with its proposed shiny tower blocks and high-end housing and retail. Our Belgrade correspondent Guy De Launey went to the multi-purpose cultural space Mikser House and spoke to its creative director Maja Lalic.

Chapter 3

King’s Cross regeneration

The area around King’s Cross station has long been in development. What was a goods yard and then a no-go area is fast becoming a destination that you want to spend a bit of time in. The people behind this are Argent – a big developer with a suitably grand plan. They’ve repurposed many of the old buildings and Robert Bound meets project director for retail Craig White and one of the new tenants – Paul Noble, founder of Spiritland, the bar with the best speakers in town.