Amazing opportunities open up when communities move beyond the idea of "art for art's sake" and embrace the full power of arts and culture to transform the places we live.
Creative placemaking not only lifts up a neighborhood physically with murals and sculpture and investments in artist housing, galleries and theaters, it helps strengthen the local economy, as eye-catching storefronts, new cultural activities and intriguing installations bring in customers and attract new businesses. It increases a sense of community identity and local pride. It can make a neighborhood a more interesting, livable place.
But most importantly arts and culture are a powerful force that help shape a neighborhood's narrative – telling the story of what kind of place it is, changing its reputation and its trajectory.
Over the last four months, I have traveled across the country to see firsthand how creative placemaking is making a difference in low- and moderate-income communities in Philadelphia; Indianapolis; Covington, KY; Woonsocket and Providence, RI; and here in the Twin Cities.
These projects have a greater sophistication, scale and impact than I think any of us imagined (click here to see a photo essay about some of the people, places and projects we encountered). Like the bubble machine that helped attract $43 million in real estate investment, or the former steel foundry where teens learn welding and couples hold weddings.
Today's guest blog courtesy of Erik Takeshita a Huffington Post Contributor.
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