Arts in Community and Economic Development

Arts in Community and Economic Development applies the theories of community development to practical problems arising from poverty and injustice in local communities. An emphasis will be placed on methods for working with communities for their own transformation through problem solving, needs analysis, asset approaches and participatory action research and planning. Working models of community and economic development will be researched and critiqued, and practical tools for how to create a working business plan that is arts-centered will be examined.

Course Objectives

• Review basic terms, concepts and theories of economic development
• Articulate an understanding of the role of Citizen Artist as it relates to community and economic development
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of a community needs assessment and analysis
• Articulate varying strategies for using the arts in the revitalization of communities, including but not limited to: micro-enterprise development, public art projects that involve the community, and affordable housing for artists
• Demonstrate the ability to create a business plan that is focused on an arts-related for-profit or non-profit enterprise
• Consider ethical standards and principles for working with communities

Course Outcomes

• Articulate the role of Citizen Artist, both as it relates to themselves as artists and to organizations who have an arts-based function
• Demonstrate through writing the basics of economic development, community organizing, needs assessment, and analysis
• Demonstrate knowledge to initiate and implement community and civic planning for art and public environments
• Articulate models and strategies for using the arts in the holistic revitalization of communities including micro-enterprise development, public art projects that involve the community, and affordable housing for artists
• Create a business plan that is focused on an arts-related enterprise (the enterprise can be either a for-profit or non-profit endeavor)