Placemaking is about shaping public spaces by actively engaging with the community to create vibrant, meaningful, and healthy environments.
It focusses on collaborating with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to identify their needs, aspirations, and values to create spaces that are enjoyable, welcoming, and conducive to social interaction.
My role as an artist is to highlight and promote placemaking because of the benefits to everybody:
Integrating arts and culture: Placemaking promotes local art, history, and cultural events into the design of public spaces, fostering a sense of identity and pride.
Increased social connection: Placemaking fosters a sense of community and belonging, leading to stronger social bonds and often less social disfunction.
Economic benefits: Vibrant public spaces attract visitors, businesses, and investment, boosting local economies and the wealth of locals.
Improved health and well-being: Access to green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities improves physical and mental health and increases the liveability of locations.
Enhanced sense of place: Placemaking can help to create a unique and memorable sense of place that reflects the community's values and identity.
In essence, placemaking is about creating spaces that are not just functional, but also beautiful, meaningful, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community