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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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See More Projects Like This One
Mount Sterling, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will install three interpretive panels along the Adena Trail, overlaying historic images onto the landscape, and add a picnic area.
Parkersburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown PKP wanted to build on its efforts to bring public art to Parkersburg. Over the years, the nonprofit created selfie stations and displayed welcome banners in the central business district. This project added a 40-foot mural. Downtown PKB held community listening sessions, where they asked residents what they love most about their town, as well as about their hopes for the future. Using the responses, a team of artists developed a design depicting a collage of smiling faces, local landmarks and butterflies. During four public paint parties, 300 volunteers worked to install the mural on the side of the Parkersburg Art Center. Project organizers say the collaborative effort culminated in public art that beautified Parkersburg's downtown.
Lafayette, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The city will collect older adults' stories and use them as inspiration for public art. The placemaking project aims to combat blight in the Lincoln neighborhood by creating vibrant outdoor spaces.
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.
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
Description: La Colaborativa will transform the Route One Bridge underspace in Chelsea, MA, into a hub where older adults can access health services, nutritious food, and engage in cultural, social, and fitness activities. This project aims to combat isolation, improve health, and support housing stability.
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