Public Art Toolkit
WITH LIVE6 ALLIANCE
Design to help communities plan and sustain public art projects.Live6 Alliance is a community development organization that works to increase opportunity and enhance quality of life in Northwest Detroit. In 2017, the organization launched its Detroit Neighborhood Arts Project to beautify and uplift retail vital corridors. For five years, they worked closely with community members and artists to produce seven murals and public art projects throughout the community. As the project began to wind down, Live6 sought to document its collaborative approach and provide a resource that residents, artists, institutions, and community organizations could use to inform future community-led public art projects.
Working in partnership with Live6 Alliance, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Culture Source, we supported the content development and designed “A Primer on Community-Led Art Projects.” This toolkit is designed to build on the strengths, creativity, and expertise already present in neighborhoods by providing case studies, best practices, and useful templates to ensure a smooth process.
Case studies on local and national projects describe how working alongside residents and artists can more effectively bring local stories to life. Checklists, templates, and practical tips offer guidance on planning, artist selection, budgeting, community engagement, and long-term maintenance.
The design reflects the many moving parts of community-led public art projects. Bold colors and dynamic layouts highlight key takeaways, while ample white space keeps the content clear and easy to navigate. We used photography, illustrations, and structured templates to enhance accessibility. The result is a practical, visually engaging toolkit.
“A Primer on Community-Led Art Projects” helps residents and organizations build on their assets, connect with partners, and secure resources to sustain creative projects.