Graffiti and street art : location and dynamic aspects

Abstract

This research analysed the phenomena of unauthorised graffiti and street art within seven localities in the Northern Harbour District on a NUTS 4 level. The study focused to explicate the incidence of the phenomena within the chosen study zone and unravel any social, spatial or other relationships related to it. Being provided with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) handheld device by the Malta Environment Planning Authorities (MEPA), actual data was collected to visualize the input points within the localities which constituted the study zone. These layers were then used to generate spatial hotspots and later cross analysed via queries with other data sets provided by Formosa (2015) in order to find out the relationships which might exist within this study zone’s specific context. Alongside with the quantitative aspect of this study, semi-structured and structured questions were used in an interview to gather an in-depth idea on the phenomena and incorporate the strengths of the triangulation of methods within the research design employed for this study. Results have shown how Pembroke has the densest hotspot followed by Msida. These were the only two hotspots which were generated and persisted when density maps were created on the basis of using different proximity criteria. The input points layer was cross analysed with other forms of data sets which unravelled the relationships certain themes shared (or lack thereof) within the study zone. This study was concluded with recommendations which were listed to suggest and diversify future research, as well as a list of recommendations to policy makers to apply the knowledge of this study and implement social change in order to reduce the incidence of vandalism and offer opportunities to the artists or writers in order to focus on a proactive crime preventive approach.