Cultural Deserts in Le Havre is a research-driven social impact project examining geographical inequalities in access to cultural infrastructure across neighbourhoods in Le Havre. While Le Havre is internationally recognised for its architectural heritage and cultural institutions, access to culture remains unevenly distributed within the city.
Using spatial data, neighbourhood-level socioeconomic indicators, and field mapping of cultural venues (libraries, theatres, cinemas, music schools, and community cultural centres), the project identifies areas that can be described as “cultural deserts”—neighbourhoods where residents face structural barriers to cultural participation.
The goal of the initiative is twofold: first, to make inequalities visible through data and maps, and second, to inform local policy discussions on cultural planning, inclusion, and social cohesion. By linking access to culture with income, age structure, and transport connectivity, this project highlights culture as a key dimension of urban inequality and social justice.