Rethinking Neighborhood Change and Tracking Progress

RETHINKING NEIGHBORHOOD CHANGE AND TRACKING PROGRESS
This paper discusses developments in the conception and assessment of Creative Placemaking initiatives and the assessment of comprehensive community development strategies. The observations and insights stem from a small but growing body of research on the roles of arts and culture in communities, as well as from well-established literature on urban poverty and inequality. 

Adding It Up

ADDING IT UP: AN EVALUATION OF ARTS ON CHICAGO & ARTS BLOCK

The Validating Arts & Livability Indicators (VALI) Study

VALIDATING ARTS & LIVABILITY INDICATORS STUDY
Commissioned from the Urban Institute, this report describes the methodology and findings of a study to validate the NEA's proposed Arts & Livability Indicators. These metrics use national, publicly accessible data to track outcomes of interest to communities engaged in creative placemaking activities. The report includes a draft "user's guide" to the indicators and their appropriate use.

The Distinction between Social & Civic Practice and Why I Find It Useful

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOCIAL & CIVIC PRACTICE AND WHY I FIND IT USEFUL
In a response to a previous essay, Michael Rohd, discusses how Civic Practice and Social Practice are not the same thing. While the term Civic Practice aims to help establish an area of artistic practice framed by markers having to do with intention and process, Social Practice covers a tremendously varied and large body of work. 

Principles for Parks and Equitable Development

PRINCIPLES FOR PARKS AND EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
There is a frustrating truth in the world of community development: new large-scale development, no matter how much it is designed to support the existing neighborhood, often displaces or alienates some longtime residents. This article breaks down how communities continue to push back and develop models for creating green space that does not come at the cost of community stability, and instead contributes to the health, well-being, and inclusivity of residents. 

Journey to Creative Placemaking: Lessons and Insights

JOURNEY TO CREATIVE PLACEMAKING: LESSONS AND INSIGHTS
Reflections, learnings and insights on Creative Placemaking are shared in this series of white papers from The Kresge Foundation’s Arts & Culture team in concert with partners from different fields and sectors. The goal is to help illuminate the foundation’s multi-faceted approach to grantmaking, share lessons learned, identify challenges and opportunities encountered, and encourage conversations in the field. 

Community Development