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Vincent Anthony Falkiewicz

The Guggenheim effect stems from the idea that a city, country, or general are can revitalize itself and its cultural appreciation through large cultural projects.  These projects not only have economic effects, but also cause regions to "rediscover their individuality and strengths (Ward 1)."  The selection of these types of projects, however, is somewhat controversial.  It is questionable whether or not culture should be used as a means to decide whether investors should choose a certain city to develop these projects.  For example, the using the relaxing "tea aesthetics" of Japanese culture to invest in a large economical project.  Although this would seemingly revitalize the community, many argue it takes away from the culture; it generalizes it and leaves many to assume a lot without truly understanding a certain culture. 
The cultural district project in Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of this effect.  The multi-billion dollar project offers "three museums designed by the celebrity architects Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Tadao Ando (Fattah 1)."  This could have a huge cultural impact for the art world.  Gehry's building containing Guggenheim Museum's contemporary art will be a rejuvenating piece of the UAE's culture.  This will add to the enormous effect on the art community.  People from around the world will get the chance to experience culturally driven art like they never have.  However, as for the rest of the world, it could slightly tarnish the cultural practices of the area.  When people do not fully understand, or are not fully enveloped in what they are attempting to experience they sometimes end up with a sort of "tunnel vision" of the area.  On the other hand, the economic impacts could be enormous; the only sad part about that is mostly big businesses or original investors see benefits of increasing economic activity.  The surrounding areas usually end up suffering due to their inability to compete.  Through all these possible negatives, the art world would greatly benefit from this cultural district. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/arts/design/01isla.html