In this report, we explore how four cities use creative placemaking on vacant
properties: Kalamazoo, Michigan; Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Newburgh, New York; and Macon, Georgia. We will highlight their work, the impacts of their efforts, challenges they faced and lessons learned about how local governments, community organizations, and artists can use arts- and culture-based approaches to arrest the decline of neighborhoods affected by vacant properties.
Community Progress engaged Metris Arts Consulting, a firm that provides
planning, research, and evaluation services to reveal arts’ impacts and help
communities equitably improve cultural vitality. Metris brought to the project its deep knowledge of arts and culture, particularly as they intersect with community planning and engagement. Metris’ prior work on creative placemaking in communities across the country greatly informs our efforts on this project.
This report is not intended to be an exhaustive review of prior studies and
literature on this topic, but a slice of real-world experience from four communities grappling with high rates of vacancy and using creative means to mitigate the problems it causes. This report does, however, integrate findings from Metris’ and Community Progress’ related past work and existing knowledge of creative placemaking and vacant property revitalization.