Fostering arts based revitalization in small and rural communitites through the provision on artist housing and relocation incentives

The purpose of this research report is to analyze arts-based development and revitalization strategies undertaken by small and rural communities, with a specific focus on artist housing and relocation incentives. Using case study analysis from programs around the country, this paper attempts to categorize and compare development models and their potential application in different types of communities. From a theoretical perspective, the report is grounded in the literature from various disciplines on the social and economic impacts of the arts and artists in communities. This includes academic research and policy studies from the fields of planning, urban studies, economic development, social work, community-arts practice, geography, and sociology. After completing a thorough scan of artist housing and relocation incentives around the U.S., six were selected for further analysis including semi-structured interviews with program leaders, and four were developed as case studies. From these case studies, inherent challenges emerged that are discussed along with potential mitigation strategies. Finally, the conclusion offers summary recommendations and a proposal for a new housing/relocation model involving limited equity homeownership and a community benefits agreement between community artists and residents. It is intended that this report can be used as a reference and resource for communities interested in pursuing arts-based community development by offering a variety of policy and planning tools that can be used when crafting an artist housing and relocation incentive program.