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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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Hendersonville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Herdersonville has two discrete downtown districts and recently created a safe pedestrian pathway to connect them. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville's initiative beautified the path and dubbed it the Downtown Art Route. First, the organization held an art contest. Then volunteers painted three winning designs onto the path's pavement. The Hendo Bee Line mural depicts pollinator flowers, while another mural features five hands spelling the word Hendo in American Sign Language. A third stretch of sidewalk showcases artwork depicting bears in a mountain landscape. Since the project completed, organizers are looking for locations to install more public art in the future.
Dodge City, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project created murals in the downtown district reflecting the area's history and diversity.
Loogootee, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: As part of efforts to create a new, multi-use community space, the Loogootee Beautification Committee commissioned a local artist to create a massive mural downtown. Community members worked with the artist to plan the artwork, which they then installed on the side of an abandoned building on Loogootee's main square. Work occurred as the City prepared to renovate the building and revitalize the area. In the future, the City hopes to hold its annual festival at the site of the mural. Project organizers also report the project helped gather community feedback, which will inform future placemaking projects.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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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