The Citizen Innovation Lab designs temporary creative & social placemaking projects that bring people together who might not normally meet to engage in dialogue and meaningful and humanizing interaction.

Fueled by the transformative power of art, the Lab constructs human-centered activations in inspiring environments that facilitate connections between neighbors, reinforce community bonds, and strengthen relationships.

“Even if it’s just a dinner, or a conversation with a small group, or a huge exhibit or big party, you’re impacting lives, in small and big ways and it’s so  meaningful. I truly admire your persistence at building bridges and communities.”        Sherin Koshy

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What is Social Placemaking?

Social Placemaking is a people-centered prescription for place that works to use artistic, temporary interventions in placemaking to specifically generate new, authentic connections both to place and to people. The interventions themselves tell a story and can be a vehicle for encouraging dialogue, diffusing tension, advancing social equity and building a sense of community and stewardship.

What is Creative Placemaking?

“The intentional use of arts and culture to shape the physical, social, and economic future of communities, which strengthens economic development, promotes civic engagement, and contributes to quality of life. In short, art is a verb, and creative placemaking is doing art to change a place.”

-Kimberly Driggins, former Associate Director, DC Office of Planning.