Curated Arts Events in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review of Contributions and Constraints for Community Development

Abstract

Curated arts events have emerged as site-responsive strategies for engaging rural communities, promoting local identity, and addressing sociocultural challenges in the wake of rural decline. However, despite their growing prominence, existing studies remain fragmented and lack a systematic understanding of their multifaceted roles and challenges. Conducting this review is therefore crucial for consolidating current knowledge and identifying patterns across diverse cases. This systematic review synthesizes 25 studies to assess how these events contribute to rural development while facing persistent constraints. Analysis reveals nine themes across two dimensions: functional contributions, including community engagement, cultural revitalization, economic impact, spatial renewal, and social innovation, and structural constraints, such as limited community agency, overreliance on external resources, overtourism, and cultural dissonance. Findings underscore the importance of inclusive curatorial governance, co-decision-making processes, and fostering a sense of place attachment among visitors and residents. These insights can inform the planning and sustainability of future cultural events in rural areas, offering implications for event managers, community stakeholders, and policy designers.