This seminar course investigates how arts, culture, and creativity can advance more equitable, resilient, and vibrant communities. Students will develop a foundational understanding of the history and evolution of cultural planning and related practices, tracing the critical contributions of artists, cultural organizations, and allied professionals in shaping places and cities–past, present, and future.

We will examine diverse methods and modalities–including people, policies, practices, and projects–that leverage creativity in service of social, spatial, and environmental justice. Through readings and research, interactive discussions and workshops, and engagement with current practitioners and initiatives, students will encounter the breadth of contemporary practices and the intersections with architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, public policy, and real estate development. By the end of the semester, students will articulate and develop concrete strategies for embedding and integrating arts and culture within planning processes and design of the built environment.

Student performance will be evaluated based on active, thoughtful participation in class discussions and activities; written responses to weekly prompts and readings; a practice profile that critically examines contemporary work in the field; and a final proposal or case study that articulates a robust arts and culture strategy embedded within a planning or design context.

This course is open to students from any discipline who are interested in the roles of arts, culture, and design in shaping cities and communities. Because creative and cultural planning is inherently experiential, relational, and visual, students should be prepared to engage with places, people, and practices beyond the classroom. Prior experience in the arts, design, or planning is not required; however, a strong curiosity and willingness to observe, listen, explore, and learn creatively and collaboratively is expected.