Creative placemaking is a locally driven approach often used to help neighborhoods and downtown districts that have experienced disinvestment. The approach engages artists and the community in creating their own change and revitalization by investing in positive, creative development.
Community Science acted as technical assistance provider, convener, and facilitator. With ArtPlace and the National Endowment for the Arts, we facilitated a daylong workshop to discuss their approaches to creative placemaking technical assistance, decision-making processes for allocating resources, and challenges and opportunities surrounding capacity building. The workshop built upon their lessons learned, including the strengths and weakness of key actors and how community characteristics contribute to effectiveness. Community Science used it’s background in urban planning, community change, and downtown revitalization to ask the right questions while remaining neutral. The workshop helped participants focus their thinking, explore lessons learned, and plan strategically for the future. 00523