Leisure, making innovation a tradition – the role of leisure in a city's transformation: the case of Bilbao

The transformation of Bilbao is the result of 700 years of history (medieval patrimony, trade with other nations through the estuary and port, economic power, etc.) which has been recovered and brought to the forefront over the last 30 years. During this time, the leading players have acted in a framework of democracy and self-government which has not been free of threats and setbacks. The relational governance model has gradually empowered each one's creative innovation capacity to move towards greater social cohesion while a comprehensive urban transformation project has fostered progress in the economic, social, environmental and leisure spheres. The economic crisis beginning in 2009 has gradually undermined the foundations of democracy and the welfare society. The achievements of previous decades are now seriously at risk. We need a new transformation which includes leisure as a one of the factors for change in a new setting and environment.