Systems Synthesis Project 2000-2001
H. John Heinz School of Public Policy & Management
Carnegie Mellon University

Problem Statement

The arts have a relationship with the communities they inhabit and are often identified as a potential catalyst for community revitalization. We seek to improve understanding of this relationship and to clarify how the arts are best integrated into this process.

We will examine the factors of community development to determine useful strategies for the arts to participate in and benefit from community revitalization. To identify the most useful strategies for the arts involvement in this process, we will use measurements of success based on research, historical and present day case studies of places and organizations involved in community revitalization, as well as advice from experts in related fields. The results of our study will provide a profile of the arts involvement in community revitalization and a best practices guide for involving the arts in these efforts.

CLIENT: Sustainable Pittsburgh