Art Can Change Communities

Urban Art Trail Benchmark Project

      Even though, we often hear people make the claim that art can change lives, it is not widely publicized.  when I came across the article by Nancy Stutman, I found some evidence to back up this broad claim.  Stutman's article describes the effort Candice Lopez undertakes to use art as a means to change the dynamics of her neighborhood, which was being terrorized by drug dealers, as well as changing the lives of all who live, work, and visit there.  Ms. Stutman describes how the community banded together with the arts in order to create an ‘urban art trail’ comprised of graphics, poetry, calligraphy, and a mosaic mural which seems to represent a path to a peaceful future.

        After reading this article, and the reflections of those that experienced this transformation, I was inspired by the energy, security, teamwork, confidence, and renewed aspirations that develop, in both the individual and the community, as a result of a project of this caliber. 

Laurel True and Kenya Project

         This article makes me realize that art can be a powerful force within the community if we consider it as the voice of the people raised in unison to create social change.   I have found several artists, such as Laurel True, who have dedicated part of their time and effort in creating such a change.  Laurel uses mosaics to create economic opportunity and pride into areas where children are impoverished and live in poverty.  These examples have opened my eyes to the fact that community-based art can be a utilized as a vehicle for social change by empowering participants, transforming environments, and contributing to collective healing and economic development.  If it can work in these places, I believe it can work in my own community.

Stutman, N. (2001). Art changes lives (Urban Art Trail). Letter Arts Review, 16(1), 24-33.