Oberlin Center for Convergence (StudiOC)

Creative Placemaking

How do the arts, social service agencies, and businesses work together to promote individual and community flourishing?

Eric Steggall.

Photo credit: Pan Fei Chiang

Eric Steggall

Louise Zeitlin.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Louise Zeitlin

Louise Zeitlin

Creative Placemaking

Offered spring 2021 and spring 2022

This StudiOC cluster will introduce students to the field of Creative Placemaking: the act of bringing a community together to positively affect its physical world through the arts. The course will look at the history, the physical space, the economy, and the people of a community and how to address challenges through the medium of the arts.  In short, making space into place.

Instructors

Course Instructors for this learning community are Lecturer of Theater Eric Steggall, and Associate Professor of Community Engagement Louise Zeitlin.

Eric Steggall, Instructor

THEA 250OC Artistry and Economics of Creative Placemaking
Meets Tuesday and Thursday, 10-11:15 a.m.; 4 credit hours; enrollment 20

This course will introduce students to the basic business, management, and entrepreneurship practices that will allow artists and communities to engage in meaningful Creative Placemaking endeavors that have the potential to shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region around arts and cultural activities.

Louise Zeitlin, Instructor

PACE 318 Community Building Through Creative Placemaking
Meets Monday and Wednesday, 10-11:15 a.m.; 4 credit hours; enrollment 20

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of Creative Placemaking through the lens of community and artistry. Discussions will include cultural and historical identities, community engagement and revitalization, mapping needs and resources to build community economy and pride.