Debra Webb’s “Placemaking and Social Equity: Expanding the Framework of Creative Placemaking”

    I will be mainly consulting Debra Webb’s “Placemaking and Social Equity: Expanding the Framework of Creative Placemaking” for the framework of my research. I found Webb’s article valuable in the way that she lays out a comprehensive format of what she deems as creative placemaking. She commences by introducing facts of artists playing a significant role in the advancement of humanity, specifically in initiatives that are place-based. These initiatives expound on what is meant by the essence of being within that place and the sense of belonging to that area as well. Webb’s version of the creative placemaking model “develops places of belonging for the collective good; measures empowerment, cultural stewardship and community attachment as indicators of success; and is committed to addressing the root causes of social inequity through artist-led civic engagement activities” (35). In order to construct this definition, she performed a literary review while also combining informal fieldwork and case study analysis. Her analysis focuses primarily on artists of color that practice creative placemaking with community collaboration and intentions to conduct social change. She follows closely to Ann Markusen and Anne Gadwa’s definition of creative placemaking, by categorizing it as “partnerships with the public, private, non-profit, and community sectors to strategically shape the economic, physical and social characteristics of a place around arts and cultural activities. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired” (36). Creative placemaking should all hold purpose and intent while preserving and contributing to the multifaceted identity of the existing community.

   Ultimately, my research within The Clemente focuses on their creative placemaking strategies. Factors of successful creative placemaking strategies can include the following: “(1) Each effort starts with an entrepreneurial initiator – often an artist. (2) Demonstrates a commitment to place and its distinctive character. (3) Mobilizes public will, both in local government and the citizenry. (4) Attracts private sector support, from cultural industries or developers. (5) Wins the active participation of arts and cultural leaders. (6) Succeeds in building partnerships across sectors, missions and levels of government” (37). I will be investigating how The Clemente accomplished these factors in their first five years in the Lower East Side. Webb also emphasizes that success is not in the adjustment of property values and influx of outsiders touring the streets of the community but in the relationship of the community and the ability to have arts and culture consciously at the foundation of an environment.