In 2010, Robb Hankins, President and CEO of ArtsinStark challenged Joel Owens, Director of CBP to extend the art movement of Downtown into the neighborhoods of Canton. In 2011, CBP answered the challenge by launching our “Art in Neighborhoods” strategy which focuses on local professional artists and residents working together on image-building art projects. With professional artists from Downtown at the helm, the extension of art projects into neighborhoods equals the artistic quality of pieces in the Arts District. In 2011, through our efforts and the support of JPMorgan Chase Foundation and ArtsinStark, 5 resident driven, image-building art projects were developed. Residents from 5 diverse neighborhoods in Canton painted a mural on a 150’ retaining wall (Top of Summit), rescued a famous art sculpture (West Park), installed a 16’ aluminum tree with commemorative sayings (Crystal Park), created a destination garden in honor of mothers (Fulton Parkside), and installed identity signs (The Boulevards).
It is important to note that our “Art in Neighborhoods” strategy has proved successful because it provides a two-prong approach to revitalization. First, each project engages residents in defining their neighborhood image. Second, residents begin seeing their neighborhood confidently, and therefore begin investing Time, Effort And Money further through their instilled confidence. Just as art projects in Downtown are assets, these art projects create neighborhood assets; as residents and artists discuss, design and implement projects that display neighborhood pride and image. In addition, these art projects have strengthened the social fabric of residents by providing tangible opportunities on which they can collaborate. Art projects have also led to increased investments to individual properties. Finally, the “Art in Neighborhoods” project’s support our four strategic Healthy Neighborhoods outcomes, as well as parallels the Downtown Arts District philosophies of revitalization (see below).
Physical Condition
- Neighborhood beautifier
- Location preparation
- Maintenance & preservation
Image-Building
- Neighborhood identifier
- High visibility
- Neighborhood statement
Involvement and Investment
- Engage residents
- Empower residents
- Resident confidence
Increasing the Real Estate Market
- Neighborhood identifier
- Appealing and safe
- Great statement for potential home buyers
Based on the success of our 2011 projects and the parallels identified with the Downtown Arts District, we continued our efforts with the completion of 3 substantial art projects in 2012, (website and brochure-West Park, 25 identity markers-Crystal Park, and identity sign-The Boulevards).
If you are nonprofit, CDC, or any revitalization organization please contact us if you would like for us to present our Art in Neighborhoods for upcoming conferences and/or workshops.
- Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc.
- Metropolitan Centre
- 601 Cleveland Avenue North, Suite F
- Canton, Ohio 44702
- 330.458.0962
- info@communitybuildingpartnership.org
