Unveiling the Magic of Creative Placemaking: Lauren Kemp’s Insights from the Creative Placemaking Summit

Last Updated 3/27/2024

As the vibrant hues of spring paint the world anew, we find ourselves reminiscing about our recent expedition to the Creative Placemaking Communities Conference held in the heart of Atlanta. Amidst the bustling streets and flourishing greenery, we discovered a tapestry of artistic expression that left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

At the conference, Denise Poole and I were enchanted by the presence of public art that adorned every corner of the city. From towering sculptures gracing the skyline to hidden gems nestled in pocket parks, Atlanta's commitment to creativity was inspiring.

The best part about traveling is the time to step away from the desk and notice new ideas in a new place. Atlanta was full of public art in almost every public space; the sculptures that marked the skyscrapers of Midtown and the installations on public transit are expected in a large city. The unexpected inspiration was in the small works, the pocket park across from the conference center, the interior design of the food hall at Colonial Square, and the Krog Tunnel's style writing or graffiti. These were where I noticed the small things, elements that were the best takeaways.

The conference provided an opportunity to tour multiple sections of the Atlanta BeltLine, a public trail system. The trail system features public artworks everywhere, miles and miles of murals and sculptures made from railroad bed materials. The best part of the BeltLine is that all of the public artworks were an intentional and planned feature of the trail system. The leadership of the BeltLine project recognized the value and reached out to artists from all backgrounds, including the style writers who first saw the potential of the abandoned tunnels and railroad tracks. This is a great reminder of the power of community gathering spaces and the benefits of deep community engagement.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Educational Foundation of America for their unwavering support, which enabled us to partake in this enriching experience. Their investment in our mission to cultivate vibrant communities is a testament to the profound impact of creative placemaking.