Description

The Creative Communities Initiative is a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts program supporting community-driven, arts-based projects with a demonstrated positive impact on their communities. Often called creative placemaking or placekeeping, this work integrates art, local creative sector assets, community culture and identity, and design to create vibrant, inclusive, accessible spaces that foster connectedness and livability.

The initiative promotes community well-being, revitalization, resilience, and sustainable growth. Its priorities include empowering communities that have experienced disinvestment, supporting grassroots leaders and residents, and cultivating deep community engagement. Projects should celebrate local identity, build authentic partnerships with local government, organizations, artists, and culture bearers, and invest in artists, creative small businesses, and cultural initiatives to address community challenges.