Public Artist in Residence
The Opportunity
In 2019, the City of Salem, Massachusetts opened a call for entries for their first-ever Public Artist in Residence (PAiR). This paid residency provided use of a studio space in Salem’s historic Artist’s Row, and charged the recipients with creating public art that fostered public participation.
The Project
Creative partner Lauren Smedley and I were awarded the residency in early 2020. We founded Creative Blocks, a placemaking and experience design studio aimed at creating a maker space and facilitating collaborative public art. Then the CODVID-19 pandemic hit, and concepts like collaboration, interaction, and public space were quickly redefined in a socially-distanced environment. Our 8-month residency focused on
Responsibilities
- Worked closely with the Senior Planner for Arts and Culture to stay updated on and respond to city policy surround Covid-19 safety.
- Work with other studio artists in Artists’ Row to maintain consistent studio hours and upkeep the facilities.
- Collaborated with the City of Salem, Creative Collective MA, and local businesses, organizations, and museums on public art projects.
- Researched, created, and installed self-initiated design interventions and public art projects.
The Solution
The website was branded as a Parking Toolbox and built around providing the target audience with the ability to filter tools based on their specific situational requirements. The site also included a page dedicated to key takeaways that I reduced down to simple understandable graphics.