Ward 7 Speaks FAQs

Creative Placemaking uses public spaces in ways that improve quality of life and community awareness through dynamic interventions. It leverages the power of the arts and culture to serve a community’s interests while contributing to broader social efforts to promote public transformation and build quality of place.

Through arts-driven engagements, communities are able to offer messages. These activations allow an opportunity to address issues of social justice and economic equity while increasing awareness for health, safety and security. Neighborhoods develop new opportunities for communal gathering and create a sense of common identity and shared culture. These projects encourage recreation and relaxation, introduce energy and vibrancy to streets, and contribute to environmental improvements.

The success of creative placemaking is dependent upon open collaborations between artists, residents, citizen groups, governments, private investors, and non-profit organizations.

To create engaging interactive experiences that are equity-focused. We use art to promote community purpose, address community issues, and fulfill community needs. We aim to make an impact. These activations will be sensible, applicable, and accessible. We want residents and participants to have fun, learn something, and foster a new appreciation for their neighborhood.

History and heritage, social justice, environmental awareness, you name it. We need to hear from you.

These activations are scheduled to be installed/implemented in Summer 2020. There are more opportunities for community input through this website.

Contact us if you are interested in participating further.

CreativeJunkFood is managing this project in collaboration with Deborah Jones, Executive Director of the Ward 7 Business Partnership, Tina Whitlow, Co-founder of The Whitlow Foundation, and Sarah Cappo, community engagement specialist.

This project has been made possible by the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED), as a part of the Comprehensive Community Development Model. The CCDM is a planning document for four Ward 7 neighborhoods—Deanwood, Capitol View, Richardson Dwellings and Lincoln Heights. Driven by a network of stakeholders and residents from these communities, this document will serve as a guide for addressing community needs around housing, economic development, business development, health and wellness, youth development and public safety.

This work is funded by the District of Columbia Office of Planning, the Office for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Kresge Foundation.