Creative Placemaking Gets Infusion of New Funding

ArtPlace is a national collaboration of foundations, banks and federal agencies (including HUD, the USDA and DOT) that is investing in creative placemaking projects across the country. To date, the intiative has invested $26.9 million in projects that combine community renewal strategies with arts and culture. 

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter provides his support in the press release, saying that creative placemaking "...is a powerful way to make our communities more desirable, encouraging people to invest here." Philadelphia is the home of five projects funded by ArtPlace, for a total of $1.62 million in funding. 

The Porch at 30th Street Station is one of the Philadelphia projects. 30th St. Station is the second busiest train station in the country, and the grant will go to a collaboration with artists on the urban design of the plaza as well as the installation of a piece of permanent public artwork.

Other ArtPlace projects take more experimental approaches to melding city planning efforts with artistic endeavors, from pop-up stores to arts incubators.