Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

Public art is often seen as way through which to engage communities in placemaking but who is making places that already exists? This paper explores the concept of placekeeping, or the idea that infrastructure, families, institutions, homes, and businesses are already present where ‘placemaking’ projects and initiatives occur. The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, via its Public Art committee, guides communities as they seek public art as a form of neighborhood improvement and cultural representation. The Arts Commission is often engaged in discussions and dialogue on this process and the purpose of its guidelines and parameters (e.g. artist applications, selection committee membership etc.) Through an examination of the public art selection process in Nashville, Tennessee, this presentation looks at the role of public art in placekeeping and the responsibility the process has in preserving the talent, culture, and history of diverse neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include the predominantly African-American communities of North Nashville and Bordeaux, the Hispanic and Kurdish communities of Nolensville Road, and the gentrifying communities of East Nashville, 12 South, and Wedgewood-Houston.