Agency Landscape + Planning的动态

Read my latest article to learn more about the transformative power of public art, and how thoughtful public art installations can engage communities, enrich public spaces, and create lasting connections.

Reading objects | Filling the gaps Works of art, architecture and design that are deemed to be 'canonical': Ralph Lauren's patchwork garments due to their influence are displayed in prominent museum collections (Weiser, 2018). While the western arthistorical canon has come under severe critique since the latter part of the 20th century, particularly with regard to its biased treatment of class, race, and gender, it can also be considered as a crucial starting point and foundation for learning about and discussing art Young artists, designers and architects can offer new approaches to art, design and architecture. Often their work is relevant to the current social and economic climate. From this perspective, art design and architecture are critical, technical or aesthetic enquiries, which seek to respond to existing political, social and contemporary contexts and realities. Museums need to present the practice of representation as progressive, valuable and educating whilst remaining engaging and relevant (Sitzia, 2018). According to Debord (2009), museums play an important role in education, social cohesion and sustainable development and have great potential to raise public awareness of the value of cultural and natural heritage and of the responsibility of all citizens to contribute to their care and transmission. Museums and galleries reflect these values through the shows they choose to display, and thus highlight what their priorities are. The project focuses on the changing roles of cultural institutions such as museums and gallery spaces as traditional mediators of culture and the arts (Van Dienderen et al., 2007; Vlieghe et al., 2016). The traditional functions of cultural institutions are questioned and institutions increasingly problematize “the civilizing mission of the arts” (Belfiore & Bennett, 2008, p. 31). For example, museums are critically assessing their relation to national culture and identity or are grappling with their postcolonial heritage (Weiser, 2018; Gielen, 2013; Vanhee 2016). Other institutions need to reinvent their traditional functions and rethink their roles in an increasingly media saturated society. M?ntmann (2009, p. 155) talks about new institutionalism as the creation of an “active space that is part community center, part laboratory, and part academy”.

Check out some prospective from our very own Stephanie Onwenu, ASLA highlighted in LAF!

The City of Danville in partnership with the Danville Area Visitors Bureau, Downtown Danville, Inc.., Vermilion Advantage, and the Danville Public Library Foundation is excited to announce a new program for Downtown Danville property owners called “Arts in Alleys.” This matching grant program will be funded through partner organizations, along with grant funding and private donations. The vision for the program is to fill our Downtown alleys with art that inspires, improves the aesthetic of the area, and makes our alleys safer for pedestrians through partnership with property owners. We believe that this collaborative program will improve the health and wellbeing of all who live, play, and work in Danville, as art is vital to a meaningful life. Through the Arts in Alleys Program for Downtown Danville, IL, any Downtown Danville property owner with alley-facing property can participate in the program and request funding from the Arts in Alleys Program collaborative committee up to $10,000.00 per project. Eligible projects include wall murals, art installations, sculptures, light displays and art projections, and lighting that enhances the art installation. Property owners participating in the Arts in Alleys Program have set guidelines to participate: -Property must be alley-facing and within the Downtown Danville district. -Property owner must pay 50% of the total cost of the project. -Maximum contribution of $10,000 per project from the AIAP. -Artists must utilize materials suitable for exposure to the elements. -Final design/art concept must be approved by the AIAP Committee before the project begins. -Diversity must be reflected in art projects and/or selection of artists. -AIAP portion (50%) of the bill to be paid upon completion of the project. -Art installation must fit the theme, “Possibilities in Danville.” Property owners can apply until January 2025. Projects will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be vetted by the Arts in Alleys Program Committee, which consists of representatives from each of the partner organizations. Currently, the program has approximately $30,000.00 of earmarked funds, with an anticipated influx of funding from grant sources throughout 2024 and 2025. The program is anticipated to run until January of 2026, or until program funding is exhausted. Interested parties can find the application here: https://lnkd.in/g963pygi For more information about the Arts in Alleys Program, please reach out to an Arts in Alleys Committee Member: Rheanna Ollis: City of Danville, Community Relations Administrator, [email protected] Annie Monyok: Downtown Danville Inc., Executive Director, [email protected]

I was being introduced recently and the speaker said... ...she's great with manipulatives! (my mind automatically went to manipulation and ?? ) No matter what you call them... they are the loose parts that occupy your museum by the hundred OR THOUSANDS (if you're lucky). In our session at the Association of Children's Museums annual conference this year we talked about how you can take one of your favorite loose parts and turn it into the focus of a full on Transitional Exhibit**! Here you'll see how the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples leaned into the foam brick option from Playlearn USA and created a transitional space that specifically focused on Building Materials. Beyond the THOUSANDS of bricks that were available, there were... tool belts hard hats storage areas seating wall graphics a special logo and even a wooden climber to build around! This is how Transitional Exhibits take shape. Not just a building material put out in the middle of a space, but a space with compliments to make the building material shine and to bring inspiration to all the young contractors, brick layers, laborers, artists, designers, architects, demo experts and supervisors. What loose parts exhibit is your most favorite? Is there a building material you wish you had THOUSANDS of as a kid?? #Looseparts #museumexhibit #exhibitdesign #transitionalexhibits ** What's a Transitional exhibit?? - a space that has changing activities created by the museum. Exhibits that can go into storage and then pop back out for a shorter period of time to create a new exhibit space. Not a traveling exhibit, not facilitated by staff, not just a cart of blocks in an empty room, but a full exhibit that just 'pops up' and fits right in with the rest of the museum exhibits. See all the posts from this series... 1 - Multi-purpose Structures https://lnkd.in/eaFJaVsc 2 - Loose Parts https://lnkd.in/e7NDC_v9 3 - Partnerships https://lnkd.in/ehb5n5v7 4 - Seasonal Exhibits https://lnkd.in/e98RA6GP

Few things make us happier than the acknowledgment that lighting design is an art form in and of itself. This article takes a look at the prestigious — and sometimes thrilling — work of lampers at the Met.? Read the full piece (paywall) here: https://lnkd.in/dmTKUH9v

The?intersection of art and culture?in California?is nowhere more evident than in its glorious murals.?These murals not only bring color; they turn buildings into canvases.? These murals serve another function: increasing the sense of pride and ownership within the community for their living spaces. Buildings become something other than mere living spaces; they become liveable art.?Artists like Favianna Rodriguez, whose work often addresses social justice issues, have played a massive role in bringing cultural pride and community spirit to the people of Oakland. Art fosters community building and cultural amalgamation. While minimalism in color and design ensures timelessness, it does not elevate people's sense of belonging and pride in their lives. At Riaz Capital, our ethos is driven by a need to care for the people we cater to. Affordable housing does not need to be; it can be a canvas to showcase the art that is uniquely Californian. With Artthaus Studios at the helm, we created the Riaz Capital Art program. Through this venture, we invite select artists to our buildings as their canvases. With the help of Artthaus Studios' colorful flair, we have transformed living spaces from grim accommodations to art. See more of our Riaz Capital Art Program at?https://lnkd.in/gfMRUGXA

From the cradles of the Latin American design schools of the 2000's where we were taught that Bauhaus was the standard of ''good taste'' and that Helvetica was our best friend, at the same time, we were learning to reject our visual culture, our iconography, our vibrant colours and our chicha typographies.? I've been reflecting on this sentence from the book #DesignAnthropology and a word I read some time ago ''ill-design''. How it is that sometimes even without intending it we designers do more harm than good (including visual designers). How in that desire to develop products, services and systems to reach the mainstream we have failed communities that still carry the residue of that damage. Now finally an interdisciplinary vision is being employed where communities are co-authors, where there initiative and agency are the based of new design systems where people can thrive, and maybe we can start thinking in heal-design, instead. #DesignThinking #InclusiveDesign #DecolonizingDesignPractice

Public art has become a powerful tool for transforming urban spaces and driving commercial real estate value. By integrating murals, sculptures, and other artistic installations, developers are not only creating visually appealing spaces but also boosting foot traffic and attracting businesses. Key statistics highlight the impact: - A University of Cincinnati study found areas with murals saw 30% higher weekend foot traffic, and with nearby restaurants and cafes, it surged to five times the city average. - In Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, the open-air gallery Wynwood Walls, launched by developers in 2009, now attracts three million visitors annually. As a result, the average office lease in Wynwood reached $80 per square foot in late 2023, a staggering 83% higher than the Miami-Dade County average. By investing in public art, developers enhance the cultural value and economic vitality of neighborhoods. These installations not only attract visitors but also drive business growth and increase property values, making them a win-win for communities and investors alike. Data sources (and great reads): 1. https://lnkd.in/gfmZT_ds 2. https://lnkd.in/gRQcSjmx 3. https://lnkd.in/g8RytNqm

A Glimpse into Making Art Matter: Creative Placemaking and Our Curatorial Approach Written and edited during COVID-19, my first book 'Making Art Matter' delves into the philosophies at the heart of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital. Today, I’d like to highlight creative placemaking and our integrated processes, which remain relevant and essential in transforming spaces into places of connection, reflection, and engagement. This approach allows us to curate artworks that harmonise perfectly with their surroundings. Central to our process is profoundly considering the existing community, culture, and environment, helping us deliver meaningful and contextually appropriate outcomes for clients and communities. We consider five critical stages when working on public art and placemaking projects: Strategy and Vision Artist Procurement? Design Development Implementation and Fabrication Extended Engagement By crafting a comprehensive methodology, we actively engage local communities and empower local artists, clients and residents through our curated artworks. An example of this process in action is our digital art loop at the new Victoria Cross Metro Station. These dynamic pieces, set within a bustling transport hub, serve as an essential pause point and momentary ‘urban oasis’ for the daily commuter. In fast-paced environments like these, moments of reflection and visual respite are crucial in reducing stress, enhancing well-being, and fostering a deeper connection with the space. By carefully managing each project phase, we avoid ‘cookie-cutter’ or quick-fix solutions, generic artworks that can feel misplaced and disconnected from their context. Instead, we take pride in delivering unique, bespoke commissions that thoughtfully reflect the entire environment, ensuring the art enriches and harmonises with the space. Through intentional curation, we align each artwork with its surroundings, fostering community engagement, empowering local artists, and promoting overall well-being. #artpharmacy #sugargliderdigital #placemaking #artconsulting #publicart #urbanactivations #communityengagement #makingartmatter Illustrations by Simon Wiltshire