Gentrification is an important concept for studies related to urban redevelopment. Gentrification is generally referred to the gradual process of replacement and displacement in a redeveloped district. Since the land value and rent usually increase after redevelopment, those who are unable to afford may find it necessary to relocate and more affluent groups would gradually replace the lower income one. Studies reveal that the process of gentrification does bring improvements to older neighborhoods including higher real estate values, lower crime rates, and enhanced neighborhood amenities and services. On the other hand, the process has also led to many drawbacks, in particular the displacement of lower-income residents and spatial segregation.

There are plenty of studies showing the close relationship between culture and art, gentrification, and urban renewal. The old and dilapidated areas have been transformed into bustling and vibrant art and culture clusters which has been attracting real estate investments. Meanwhile, local governments also use museums, theaters and other arts and culture venues as strategies to promote the development of commercial districts and community. Moreover, often the art industry is closely associated with entertainment and media, finance, high-tech and other industries, which in turn helps to stimulate the economic growth while attracting more talents to move in. However, studies have shown that the primarily art-based urban regeneration often benefit the businessmen and the upper middle class, leading to a wave of relocation of original residents and small business. Art seems to be a way to attract foreign tourists and the so-called investors rather than serving residents and even artists. So, what impacts do art and culture bring? Based on the statistics of more than 100 metropolitan communities in the United States, the author uses factor analysis and linear models to answer the question above.

The author divides the independent variables into two broad categories: (1) fine arts and, (2) commercial arts. The former refers to painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry which usually employed in museums, art galleries and schools; while the commercial arts are art that is created for commercial purpose such as film, music and advertising. The dependent variable in the article is to study how these two art forms influence the community development and it is divided into two aspects. One is gentrification referring the community upgrade and obvious emigration between lower-income and higher-income population while another is community revival which mean there is great improvement in community yet without population emigration.

The finding shows that fine arts and commercial arts have completely different effects on urban renewal. Fine arts are commonly found in stable neighborhoods with low levels of revitalization. In contrast, commercial arts clusters are most closely link to neighborhoods where have high levels of gentrification and revitalization. In addition, fine art facilities such as museums and art centers may fail to promote community development and support local economic growth as expected. Yet, commercial arts have positive impacts on industrial agglomeration and regional economic growth. The research outcomes have important implications for urban practitioners which allows them to better understand how different art forms are connected to different community environments so as to develop more substantive art development strategy.