Artists Underutilized Resources for Community & Economic Revitalization

Citing research showing that cultural vitality is linked to economic growth, the essay highlights several arts organizations and their surrounding communities for effectively partnering to implement sustainable and positive change, including:

AS220 was an important catalyst in the revitalization of downtown Providence, RI, which contains residential and studio space for artists but also delivers public galleries, performance venues and public education spaces.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center serves as a hub for New Orleans artists and residents seeking to use art and culture to revive and reclaim the city’s historical Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
Artist Theaster Gates’ Dorchester Project is transforming the economically distressed Dorchester Avenue in Chicago’s South Side into a collection of environmentally sustainable buildings.
Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center converted a liquor store in a San Pablo, CA, strip mall into a traditional Mexican music center for area youth.
PA’I Foundation works to preserve native Hawaiian culture through dance instruction, practice and performance. The PA’I Arts and Culture Center facility is located in a local shopping center to provide easy access to community members.

For the full essay and a complete list of the organizations profiled, please visit http://www.lincnet.net/sites/all/files/2011_Urban-Institute_Building-Community.pdf.