“Bridging the diversity” through artistic sidewalks

Earlier this month, the Community Foundation of Broward’s Art of Community program awarded a $100,000 grant to the city of Hollywood, Fla. to create new artistic sidewalks, with a goal of bringinging together diverse groups within the city’s community.

Broward County has 1.7 million residents, more than the statewide population of  13 U.S. states. Across its 1,200 square miles, it has one of the richest diversities of people with different backgrounds and cultures in the country.

But, according to Thor Barraclough, chief communications officer of the Community Foundation of Broward, the diversity has also fragmented the community. He said that people rely on their cars and mobile devices, leaving communal walkways and community conversations neglected.

“Residents sometimes have a difficulty connecting with each other,” said Barraclough.

Through the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, a chief artist will be hired to lead the sidewalk project. But community members and leaders will get the chance to decide where the sidewalks will be built. Additionally, the chief artist will recruit residents to take part in creating the sidewalks.

Called “walkable art”, the sidewalks will not be typical gray pavements. Residents will paint and decorate the sidewalks in the effort of creating a personal and permanent masterpiece.

Barraclough said, “We are trying to use art as a glue to bring folks together, and that requires engagement of citizens. Folks in these neighborhoods thrive with these projects.”

Ft. Lauderdale residents have already begun work on a mural funded by the Art of Community. The mural on Ft. Lauderdale’s 13th Street corridor, between Powerline Road and Federal Highway, is of a vibrant cityscape of the town.

The Community Foundation of Broward Art of Community has also created grants for other art and civic-engagement endeavors in Broward County. In Lauderhill, YMCA will be using grant money to create community artwork on a walkway above the Florida Turnpike. And the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention will be using grant money to create a multimedia theater production, with a goal of reducing suicide rates in Wilton Manor’s LGBT community.

Barraclough said “The sidewalk project is a terrific approach to not just improved community through creating visible walkable art in Hollywood, but it will also create a feeling of engagement and ownership in our neighborhoods.”

He hopes that the community will become a safer environment, thanks to the open communication and support among residents as they collaborate to make large, artistic, personal displays of the sidewalks.

According to Barraclough, The Community Foundation of Broward Art chose to focus the project on art  because it requires critical thinking, interacting and collaborating with others.

“We are not creating art for art’s sake,” Barraclough said. “Art is the byproduct of bringing neighborhoods together.”

For more information on the Art of Community program, including how to get involved, visit cfbroward.org or call 954-761-9503.

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