This page includes resources for each of the ALMA Workshop classes in 2021. References and reading that come up in class will be added as classes progress.
| Class Days: | Projects: |
Theme
Collaboration and partnership between artists and local government.
Learning objectives
Sets expectation that artists, planners, local governments are equal participants in this class. Gives big picture of importance of culture and the arts in planning processes.
Speakers
Mallory Rukhsana Nezam, Justice + Joy
Project Work
Theme
How can local governments best work with artists? What do elected officials and city employees need to know to be successful in engaging artists in planning and community engagement roles?
Learning objectives
Class will discuss and see examples of how local governments make the case for and manage artist relationships.
Speakers
Rachel Will, Senior Planner, Atlanta Regional Commission
Jenn Erickson, Director of Arts and Culture, Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (Boston)
Jennifer Raitt, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development, Town of Arlington
Stewart Ikeda, Chair, Commission for Arts & Culture, Town of Arlington
Project Work
References
Class records
Self-Reflexivity and Project Time:
MAPC and Town of Arlington:
Theme
Leading with creativity - How can artists lead and improve community engagement processes?
Learning objectives
Class will have concrete examples of how artists can lead community engagement processes, including participating in online engagement.
Speakers
Ashley Sparks, Theatremaker and Engagement Strategist
Tonika Johnson, Folded Map Project and Englewood Arts Collective
Project Work
References
Class records
Ashley Sparks
Ashley's interactive slide deck
Ashley's slides as PDF
Alternate Roots - Arts and Community Partnerships Work Kit
Ashley's site
Tonika Johnson
Tonika's Site
Tonika's Instagram
Folded Map
Englewood Arts Collective
Chicago Metro Planning Council's The Cost of Segregation Report
Theme
What does it takes to put creative-led planning projects into practice. What are the considerations as plans become reality – costs, managing stakeholders, public response? How do you take a single project and build on it so that it is possible to do again?
Learning objectives
Participants will hear about the execution and implementation of creative-led community planning projects and apply learning to their own projects.
Speakers
Alex Frankcombe, Fulton County Arts & Culture
Ash Nash, Power Haus Creative
Chloe Alexander, City of Hapeville
Monica Campana, Living Walls, The City Speaks
Project Work
Presentation
Each team will have 15 minutes to present their project to a panel of jurors and an audience from around the Atlanta region.
Project Description
The Art in the Alley project reflects the community’s desire for public art downtown, as expressed in previously adopted plans. Recommendations from ALMA Workshop will be used by staff and the community to integrate public art into the alleys in Downtown Tucker in a way that enhances the sense of place in those spaces, creates an economic driver for local businesses, and allows all residents and visitors to feel comfortable and welcome in the city.
Sponsors
Deliverables
Background Documents:
Project Description
This year’s Livable Centers Initiative program includes an opportunity for communities to propose and provide creative placemaking around bus stops that improve access to transit and promote community.
“Buses are often overlooked as part of a great public transit system both by decision-makers and ultimately by the public at large. We want to create bus stops and stations that are well-integrated into the communities they serve at the local level; meeting the needs of passengers through useful amenities; and serving as accessible, active, sociable and comfortable public spaces. Bus riders of transit systems in the United States and many other places tend to be low-income and to reside in historically marginalized communities. Improving the transit experience and overall quality of life for these underappreciated, overachieving riders will be our primary goal.” - from the Project for Public Spaces article, "How a Humble Bus Stop can Anchor a Whole Neighborhood"
Sponsor
Deliverables
Optional Site Visit Assignment and Exercise
Background Resources
Project Description
The Community Engagement and Arts team urges communities throughout the region, in publicly memorializing the COVID-19 pandemic, to center our most greatly impacted community members, amplify their experiences, voices, narratives, and customs, and ensure an equitable and just healing and recovery process rooted in collective care.
Sponsors
Deliverables
Case Study/Site Visit
Background Resources
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
