From Rust Belt to Artist Belt II

A companion report to Arts Cleveland’s (formerly CPAC) second From Rust Belt to Artist Belt conference. 2010.

Arts Cleveland’s second From Rust Belt to Artist Belt conference focused on what happens when the arts and culture sector and local neighborhoods join forces. The conference guided participants through a discussion of the work innovative community developers, artists, arts administrators and policy makers are doing to revitalize industrial cities. The breakout sessions were designed to inspire attendees to engage artists as partners in community revitalization.  Best practices were also highlighted. This document is a detailed summary of the sessions, discussions and findings that emerged from the conference.  It focuses on how former industrial cities are using artist-based community development to improve the stories being told about their communities today. It also focuses on the practical considerations of using this strategy.