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City of Chelsea (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
With the addition of public art, a block of Division Street became a welcoming, safe passageway through downtown Chelsea for pedestrians and cyclists. Community members created 25 pieces of art to adorn the street. Artists painted three full-scale murals, including one created alongside students from a local school, as well as several mini murals. Local older adults also installed art panels. To improve mobility, the City added new sidewalks and repaved the roadway. This project spurred local artists and creatives to form a network and increased support for public art among local property owners. Project organizers say its success represents an important first step to link the heart of downtown with Chelsea's waterfront.
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Ville Platte, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The Tee Cotton Bowl is an annual high school football game -- and week-long event -- that promotes racial reconciliation. As part of local revitalization efforts, the Acosta Foundation engaged a team of multigenerational volunteers to create a 100-foot-long mural as a symbol of the community coming together. A small, landscaped seating area allows visitors to enjoy the artwork, with LED lighting illuminating the mural. Volunteers hailed from all parts of the city and worked on all elements of the project, from cleaning the wall to hosting a celebratory party during the Bowl. The project's success sparked creation of another mural on the grounds of Ville Platt's city hall.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Fish Creek Trail is a winding, multi-use path connecting schools, parks and a recreation center in Spenard, one of Anchorage's oldest and most diverse neighborhoods. NeighborWorks engaged six local artists, storytellers and graphic designers to create interpretive panels, which they installed along the trail for residents to view as they walk, ride or roll along. The panels display paintings, watercolors and digital designs, which illustrate participants' personal experiences, family tales, memories of using the trail and a traditional Dena'ina story. Project organizers hope the artwork will generate renewed community pride and celebration.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The placemaking mural project will use art as a catalyst to create collaborative relationships between neighbors and advocate for walkable streets.
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Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Inclusive public space improvements
Description: La Plazita, an indoor/outdoor activity space, will provide Latinx residents aged 50 with a place to gather, connect, celebrate and create community. The space is inspired by plazas, mercados and outdoor spaces in Latin America.
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage walking, Boston installed benches in Main Street neighborhood districts across the city. Older adults tested and approved the benches and worked with the City to identify the best locations for them. The initiative's guiding principle was that making walking safe and comfortable for older adults creates a better environment for people of all ages. Project organizers report residents were eager to use the new benches. In fact, as Department of Public Works staff were finishing up an installation, a few people were often waiting to take a seat. The benches contribute to vibrant public spaces near businesses and merchants say they appreciate the increased foot traffic. Project organizers say the installations helped develop a city-wide framework for a sustainable bench program, addressing installation and long-term maintenance.
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