Creativity starts with YOU. Across the country, community leaders are using creative placemaking techniques, but what exactly does it mean? Put simply, creative placemaking is any artistic, cultural, or creative effort to strengthen a community. If you want to get an even fuller definition, check out our handy “Breaking Down Creative Placemaking” tutorial from Spire + Base.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Kresge Foundation, over the last 8 years, we’ve been able to use creative solutions to help YOU transform the community.

Check out our programs below to see what we’ve done in the past:

Creative Community Grants: $3500-5000 to artists used to implement creative solutions in Covington.

Nano Grants: Small $250 grants to individuals to implement creative ideas and projects that improve the community and unite neighbors.

Creative Facades: One‐of‐a‐kind program that works with local artists to change the look of homes in the Westside. Check out the Westside Look Book for some really great visuals and program details.

Hellmann Creative Center: Completed in 2015, the redeveloped Hellmann Lumber Mill houses The Center’s new offices, community event space, classroom space, and 8 artists’ studios. Interested in studio or event space? Contact Courtney Barlow-Schulte

Why does it matter?

We believe that everyone has something creative to contribute to their community. When we don’t give residents an outlet to use their creativity, we may be missing unique opportunities to further the stories of our neighborhoods.

We also believe that art usually makes a project even better so we try to embed artists into what we do whenever we can.

What can you do?

• If you’re an artist or know an artist with an idea for the community, connect with us and we can attempt to make it happen.
• Join one of our many creative and artistic events or classes at the Hellmann Creative Center.
• Rent a studio space or book a community event at our Hellmann Creative Center. Interested? Contact Courtney Barlow-Schulte.