Trail Towns, a program that promotes the economic potential of rails-to-trails systems, explains how art can create a sense of place and promote creative reuse along the trail.
"Art brings color and life to a space," says Trail Towns.
"What defines your surroundings? Art creates a sense of place by providing something unique in your community whether a mural, sculpture, or gallery.
But creating a sense of place is more complex than simply defining an aspect of your community's culture and/or history. A sense of place is important because it offers you a sense of belonging and being, which is an essential part of life and feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally stable."
Trail Towns also points to the way art engages young people as a reason to promote public art in small communities.
Read the full story: 3 Ways Art Improves Small Communities
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority