ART FOR IMPACT is the Rockford Area Arts Council’s public art program. All public art projects, artists’ submissions, and project-related decisions are filtered through our public art mission statement.
Mission
ART FOR IMPACT is a community impact initiative of the Rockford Area Arts Council; through our dynamic partnerships and regional talent pool, the Arts Council’s strategic vision of engaging, high-quality, public art in every neighborhood will come to fruition.
Objectives
- Bolster neighborhood pride
- Create a sense of place, community, and belonging
- Develop public art that draws the attention of residents + visitors
- Reflect the values and priorities of the Rockford Region—diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Impact On Communities
Economic Growth: Engaging in public art generates excitement and ultimately leads to increased foot traffic, which benefits surrounding businesses.
Cultural Understanding: Public art reflects a community and its surroundings working to cultivate a cultural identity by setting a community apart and attracting people to its uniqueness. Artwork helps express a community’s values and creates an elevated sense of awareness for community members and visitors.
Cultural Identity: Art represents life in many ways. When community members see themselves reflected in social spaces, they feel a sense of respect, ultimately allowing for people to identify with the place they are from, live in, or are visiting.
Sense of Belonging: Art brings people together. Displaying art in public places and making it accessible to everyone inspires engagement and a feeling of belonging to a community. -Credit: Jackson Hole, Wyoming Chamber of Commerce
