Placemaking in a Box!

From “blah-za” to vibrant plaza! Committed to completely transforming underutilized spaces, two organizations turned to the practicality and versatility of shipping containers to beautify, activate, and add functionality for their communities. Read our latest blog article to learn about how Community Placemaking Grant awardees from two different cities, Midtown Alliance in Atlanta, GA, and Downtown Dayton Partnership in Dayton, OH, turned their spaces around with the help of Project for Public Spaces' direct funding, technical assistance, and capacity building. 

Events & Opportunities

• Ingredients of successful markets
• Market management
• Community & stakeholder engagement
• Expanding opportunities for vendors
• Tools to measure the value of public markets
• Scaling up markets with expanded infrastructure & operations
• Sustainable market operations
• Public policies that support markets‍

The course benefits not only market operators, but also policymakers, advocates, and others. “I believe this training will be valuable to anyone connected to markets," shared past participant, Leslie Harrison, Development Associate at Feeding Northeast Florida. "There is so much great knowledge and tools presented and many opportunities to network with peers. [It is] well worth the investment.”

Register by August 8 to enjoy an early registration rate! 
 

Public Space News

Intentionally designed "third spaces" are critically important for increasing inclusivity, fostering social interaction, and providing equity. As a great example of how third places can provide equity benefits to communities, Elena Madison, Project for Public Spaces' Director of Projects, points to a Recharge Station in Times Square that was created in partnership with Fountain House. The station provides social services and amenities to anyone. "We purposely designed it so all kinds of people stop by, but it’s especially relevant to people who barely have a first place, much less a third place.” (Urban Land Magazine)

Connect over games and films! An Economic Development Committee in Evanston, IL, aims to boost foot traffic and community engagement in its 10 business districts with placemaking kits. The kits include portable items like movie projectors, giant chess boards, Jenga sets, and a pop-up stage. (Evanston RoundTable)

To make public space more inclusive, turn to public art. A new initiative in Boston, MA, aims to bring residents and artists together to create new installations that will tell inclusive and diverse stories throughout a cityscape that currently features art that is deeply influenced by a colonial past. (NPR)