New York City Parks Department
Inspiring community wellness
For over 50 years the NYC Parks & Recreation department has consistently fostered the creation and installation of public art in parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Through collaborations with a diverse group of arts organizations and artists, the Art in the Parks initiative bought both experimental and traditional art to many communities.
Idea
Design sculpted art peieces in the image of black people to inspire and instill a sense of pride and community presence.
Inspire healthy lifestyles in the black community by creating events and programming that involve interactive experience.
Engage the commiumity to ensure the direction and narative matches their interests and desires.
Employ as many black owned businesses as possible to foster and support economic empowerment.
Results
Year long programming that encouraged community wellness ie self defense training for mothers and daughters, yoga, healthy snacking, exercise dance classes.
Coordinated with community leaders and organizations to create community based arts initiatives.
Used public art to instill a sense of community pride.
Conducted key informant interviews to support program implementation.
