Inclusive Creative Placemaking Through Participatory Mural Design in Springfield (MA)

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings Public art is a beneficial creative placemaking strategy that can establish spaces for public expression, a sense of belonging, and social interactions. However, there remains a shortage of case studies documenting its tangible positive impacts in minoritized communities. We sought to fill that gap by investigating community engagement processes in the multiple stages of planning, conceptualization, and materialization of the Fresh Paint Springfield mural festival in 2019 in Springfield (MA). Through observation of one mural that was designed and painted in collaboration with hundreds of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) residents and in-depth interviews with residents, sponsors, and artists, we present public art mural installations as an inclusive creative placemaking strategy. Findings showed three aspects that fostered community pride and sense of belonging: first, artists engaged with downtown residents in multiple stages of the mural installation; second, the artistic product was intentionally designed as a culturally specific depiction of members of the local community; and last, the open-door studio policy used by the muralist in our case study instigated community member participation and broke the status quo of artists as singular producers of mural art. If given institutional support, artists are key stakeholders who promote aesthetics of belonging, adopt methods that empower residents, and create meaningful and accessible art.Takeaway for practice Certain aspects of the festival organization generated convivial spaces and opportunities for sharing among community members. First, meaningful engagement must be at the forefront of creative placemaking strategies in terms of curating artists, participatory methodologies, and representative designs. The festival format with multiple murals offered advantages to increase buy-in from building owners and sponsors and increase the impact of public art. Last, institutions can anticipate and take on processes such as securing wall permissions, negotiating insurance, and fundraising to allow artists to thrive.

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