What is creative placemaking?
Creative Placemaking is the use of arts and culture to strategically shape the physical and social character of a place.
These projects spur economic development, promote enduring social impact, and improve the physical environment.
What are some benefits of Creative Placemaking in communities?
- Strengthen local economies
- Improve a neighborhood’s design
- Promote social cohesion
- Increase accessibility
- Re-engage civic pride
- Recognize folks who often go unseen
- Provide gathering spaces
- Decrease loneliness
Why does it matter?
Creative Placemaking can deepen a sense of place and belonging by acknowledging the past, honoring where we are today, and helping us imagine and co-create where we want to be as a community.
Successful creative placemaking involves artists and community together from the very beginning.
How are we creative placemaking at the Chatham Arts Council?
We’re partnering with local artists to bring community-centered art to our towns and neighborhoods. Through artistic ventures combined with community engagement, these projects tell stories about our communities, promote local resources, and showcase artistic and cultural genius, right here in Chatham County.
This season’s Creative Placemaking projects each offer us connection to the natural world, exploring our relationship to what we grow and what grows around us.
Learn more about our projects here:
Farm to Story: A celebration of the farmers of Chatham County by EbzB Productions
Stories in Blue: A Community Indigo Dyeing Project by Deena Class
Holds Many Secrets, Hides Many Stories: The Robeson Creek Greenway Community Audio Walk & Public Art Project by felixobelix (aka Wendy Spitzer)
If you’re interested in supporting future Creative Placemaking projects, please reach out to Cheryl Chamblee, Executive Director or David O’Dell, Director of Community Giving.