Foundation Communities
Building capacity, buy-in, and momentum for arts-based initiatives
2019
Project Overview
The Foundation Communities Creative Placemaking Initiative looks to build the capacity, buy-in, and momentum needed to infuse arts-based initiatives within the larger project goals and workflows of Foundation Communities in Central Texas.
The goal of the Initiative is to build from the learnings and ideas that started at a national level with NeighborWorks Creative Community Development study which sought to, “identify what art, culture and creativity can contribute to the creation of equitable and engaged communities.” Defined specifically as “arts, culture, creativity and placemaking,” NeighborWorks sought to establish a broad understanding of how the arts and culture can contribute to the complex community development efforts carried forward by their network of 250 non-profit organizations.
Specifically, in their explorations it was identified how creative placemaking efforts could contribute to the creation of affordable community building by:
Connecting people across differences
Improving business viability
Boosting jobs and income
Amplifying residents’ voices
Animating public and private spaces
Rejuvenating structures and streetscapes
Generating imaginative problem solving
Honoring history
The Austin-based Foundation Communities Initiative seeks to localize these national efforts and develop an organization-specific plan that can help to identify the specific opportunities, challenges, goals, and partners needed to create a arts-based opportunities for the different components of the organization’s work.
Project Location
Case Studies
Services Provided
Precedent Research • Case Study Writing • Interviews, Focus Groups • Strategic Planning • Action Plan Creation