Creative Placemaking

Arts and Transportation Rapid Response

In 2020, we chose five agencies to receive funding to address COVID-related transportation challenges and systemic inequities in unique, creative ways, with the support of local artists. With projects on the ground and some results in hand, this report includes a detailed profile of each of the five projects, considers what was learned, and reflects on the incredible benefits of working with artists to address inequities and improve transportation for everyone.

Creative Placemaking

Creating a toolkit for in-person and virtual community engagement in rural Minnesota

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West Central Initiative (WCI), a rural regional planning agency in west central Minnesota, worked with artist Naomi RaMona Schliesman to come up with creative, safe ways to engage the community during COVID-19 and better inform their Safe Routes to School planning.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Using friendly messaging to keep essential workers and tourists safe in Vegas

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The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada worked with artist Ashley Hairston Doughty and public art consultant Mark Salinas to design signage that would effectively educate the public about social distancing and safe transit riding practices at their main transit hub, the Bonneville Transit Center.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Redesigning Slow Streets to reflect community & culture in East Oakland

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The City of Oakland worked with artist Jonathan Brumfield to pilot a solution for more aesthetically pleasing, sturdy Oakland Slow Streets barricades that better reflect East Oakland culture and still support safe distancing while traveling and exercising during the pandemic.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Five stories about artists helping to solve COVID-19 transportation challenges

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Facing incredible challenges during the pandemic, the creative practices of artists have helped five transportation agencies better respond to the rapidly changing demands related to public space, getting around safely, mask wearing, social distancing, and communicating about rules and regulations changing daily.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Meet the artists taking on COVID-19 transportation challenges

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Graphic including map of US with photos of five artist.
Smart Growth America is excited to announce the selection of five artists for our Arts & Transportation Rapid Response initiative. These five artists will be working in tandem with five local transportation agencies to design and implement projects that address pandemic-related transportation challenges and systemic inequities.

Creative Placemaking Transportation Uncategorized

Arts & Transportation Rapid Response FAQ

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Smart Growth America is now accepting applications for the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response, a new opportunity for cities looking to creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges. Interested jurisdictions may apply using the form below. We’ll be hosting a webinar about the opportunity and the application on Thursday, May 14 from 1:00 – 2:00pm ET.

Creative Placemaking