Intangible Cultural Heritage and Urban Renewal: Pina Bausch’s Dance Legacy and The Role of Performing Arts in the Reinvention of Wuppertal as a Creative City

Peripheral cities are often understudied in terms of their creative potential despite having unique cultural assets that can drive urban renewal. This thesis explores the transformative potential of Wuppertal, a city historically rooted in industrial development, as it seeks to redefine itself as a creative city in the wake of deindustrialization. Like many peripheral cities, Wuppertal faces challenges in leveraging its cultural resources to foster economic and social revitalization. However, peripheral cities like that also present untapped innovation and cultural development opportunities that have yet to be fully explored. Leveraging the legacy of Pina Bausch and the Tanztheater Wuppertal, this study examines how dance heritage can drive urban renewal and cultural innovation. The main research question is: How can the city of Wuppertal leverage the heritage of Pina Bausch and the Tanztheater Wuppertal to reinvent itself as a creative city amidst its post-industrial transformation? Drawing on theories such as Richard Florida’s (2003) concept of the creative class, Sharon Zukin’s (1995) symbolic economy, and Charles Landry’s (2008) idea of the creative city, this research situates Pina Bausch’s work within the broader framework of intangible cultural heritage and its influence as a catalyst for creative city making. Using a case study approach, the research includes semi-structured interviews with dance journalists, cultural policymakers, and representatives from Tanztheater Wuppertal and the city administration. This data uncovers the nuanced ways in which Bausch’s artistic legacy contributes to Wuppertal’s rebranding efforts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating living heritage into contemporary urban strategies, demonstrating that the creation of the Pina Bausch Zentrum marks a significant step in establishing Wuppertal as a hub of creativity and cultural dynamism. This research contributes to the broader discourse on urban regeneration, cultural policy, and the evolving role of dance as a living cultural practice in shaping city identities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the unique role of preserving intangible heritage, ensuring a lived practice that actively engages the community. Intangible cultural performances hold significant symbolic capital, making them ideal for promoting smaller cities. This potential has been underestimated until now, highlighting the need to reassess how such heritage can be leveraged for urban development.