placemaking

Just as artists need to be present from day one, the whole
community should have access to conversations and decisions
related to the development process from the beginning to
ensure that the initiatives that are being designed for their
homes are in alignment with their needs and consistent with
their vision. The more the people running the development
processes can work with communities to foster a sense of
true ownership in projects that will affect their lives, the more
equitable it will be. The community, however it self-defines,
should be able to influence direction and be empowered to
make decisions—in particular decisions that will directly
impact their lives.
One example of this, within Alternate ROOTS, is the work of
Clear Creek Collective. As cultural organizers in the mountains
of central Kentucky, they use indigenous art, folk songs, and
storytelling that is very much connected to the identity of their
local culture. Through this approach, they offer an entry point
for the community to voice their ideas and thoughts on how
development happens.
3. Art and creativity aren’t magic, they’re science.
When I first came to Alternate ROOTS, I wondered why singing
and sitting in circles telling stories at business meetings was so
important. I wondered why we took breaks to stretch and move
our bodies during our time together in groups big and small.
As a young artist I did not understand the connection between
these practices and our ability to have difficult conversations in
large, diverse (in terms of ethnicity, artistic discipline, education,
ability, gender, etc.) groups of people from all walks of life.
Story circles, as taught to me by John O’Neal of Junebug
Productions, is a practice that is as old as community itself,
often used to equalize power. Using the circle as a space for
participatory democracy, where every voice is honored as
important, establishes equity. Singing together grounds our
breath and collective rhythm so that we can work together in
solidarity. Somatic practices—stretching, dancing—remind us
of the very scientific fact that we are minds and bodies, and
that we tend to ignore the latter to the detriment of the former.
Understanding this and employing these practices is important
when working together to develop collective strategies that will
impact the entire community.
HOW TO DO CREATIVE PLACEMAKING • 13