The goal of this field scan is to understand and frame how place-based arts and cultural inter-ventions, or “creative placemaking,” can advance sustainability outcomes in the context of community development. We focused on the U.S. context, although many of the issues and priorities identified are also globally relevant.

The research process involved the following specific components:

1. A literature review of 522 academic and non-academic sources;
2. Identification and analysis of 103 art and culture projects across the United States that are addressing environmental issues in a community development context, which included 50 projects funded by ArtPlace;
3. In-depth interviews (37) with practitioners in the environmental sector and artists and cultural leaders working for environmental outcomes. Interviewees included repre-sentatives of major environmental organi-zations, grassroots environmental justice entities, policy experts, funders, cultural organizations and artists (listed in Appendix A). All quotes are from these interviews unless otherwise cited;
4. A working group of 26 people, convened in partnership with Grist and the Sierra Club, to review and refine the findings and identify concrete next steps to move this work forward (participants and summary of outcomes in Appendix B); and
5. Ongoing conversations with ArtPlace staff and sector leaders about emerging findings and next steps. [Introduction p.6-7]

The goal of this field scan is to understand and frame how place-based arts and cultural inter-ventions, or “creative placemaking,” can advance sustainability outcomes in the context of community development. We focused on the U.S. context, although many of the issues and priorities identified are also globally relevant. [Introduction, p. 6]