Through our Healthy Neighborhoods Program we are committed to creating neighborhoods of choice were residents are confident to invest their Time, Effort And Money; and where many residents are actively involved in managing everyday activities in their neighborhoods.

In 2011, as an innovative approach to neighborhood revitalization we integrated the use of art as a way to engage residents in helping define the image of their neighborhood.  Our Art in Neighborhoods strategy provided a two-prong approach.  First, each project engages residents to make a statement about their neighborhood to assist in defining their neighborhood image.  Even more importantly residents begin see their neighborhood confidently therefore begin investing their Time, Effort And Money further through their instilled confidence.

In support of the Healthy Neighborhoods Program, art projects fully incorporate our four distinct outcomes.

Physical Condition of properties and blocks.

• Art projects are a beautifying mechanism
• Art projects usually require preparation work to the project location
• Art projects need to be maintained and set a good example

Image of the neighborhood to both residents and others.

• Art projects help residents identify their neighborhood
• Art projects are highly visible to others
• Art projects make a statement

Involvement and Investment of residents in their neighborhoods.

• Art projects allow residents to get involved in their neighborhood
• Art projects empower residents to make a statement about their neighborhood
• Art projects set an example for other residents to take pride in their property

Real Estate Market to build equity for residents and the neighborhood.

• Art projects are a great neighborhood identifier
• Art projects make neighborhoods more appealing
• Art projects make a good statement to potential buyers that residents take pride in their neighborhood

Through support of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and ArtsinStark we assisted residents in our targeted neighborhoods in completing five public, long-standing art pieces.  For more information on our 2011 Art Projects, click here.

As we move forward in 2012 our next strategy through the use of art is to leverage each art project and expand our effort onto the block level.  Our targeted audience will focus on greater involvement of neighborhood youth with the end result to reach parents for home investment.  Specifically, the projects will focus on neighborhood branding and identity, with a strong concentration on neighborhood history.

If you are nonprofit, CDC, or any revitalization organization please contact us regarding presentation for Art in Neighborhoods for upcoming conferences and/or workshops.

Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc.

Joel Owens, Director

Foundations Centre

400 Market Avenue, North Suite 220

Canton, Ohio 44702

B: 330.458.0962 / F: 330.454.5855

jowens@communitybuildingpartnership.org.