OpenIDEO - How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline? - Inspiration

The Challenge

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How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline?

Inspiration 894 inspirations

Concepting 329 concepts

Applause 329 final concepts

Refinement 20 final concepts

Evaluation 20 final concepts

Winning Concepts Announced!

Realisation Ongoing

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Mission #1

Explore Vibrancy

Share your definition of what vibrancy looks like where you live. Find out more...

Mission #2

Share Stories

Tell us about the cities and communities you know are currently struggling or in the process of revitalising.

Mission #3

Get Active

Take some time to get active and explore your own community – then report back what you learned. Find out more...

Mission #4

Collect Insights

Interview someone living in a struggling city or region to learn more. Find out more...

Mission #5

Surprise Us

Got an Inspiration that doesn't fit the other Missions? Find out more...

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Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

Turning Cleaning Into Works of Art

An artist and a movement who are turning our definitions of both graffiti and cleaning upside down. Looks like vibrancy to me!

Reverse Graffiti from http://www.woostercollective.com/

graffiti-artist-moose-in-san-francisco-s-broadway-tunnel.

An inspiration that highlights the importance of cleaning through the medium of art. Could such an exhibit serve to revitalize not only the look of a city, but also the tourist industry?

Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

Comments

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Kevin Siwoff

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December 10, 2011, 06:16PM

Amanda, this is a very cool inspiration! It highlights the artists' concept of negative space, but also in a way embraces the dirt of the city. What I like most about this is that it's not about wiping the city clean, it's about highlighting potential on a smaller scale. The dirt will eventually cover the "graffiti" again, but that doesn't take away from the moment, it only adds value to its impermanence. Taking this towards a concept, this cycle could be a metaphor for city dwellers who are looking to ignite positive changes, but are daunted by the large challenges in front of them.

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Amanda Drescher's reply to Kevin Siwoff's comment

Amanda Drescher

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December 10, 2011, 07:47PM

Thanks Kevin! I completely agree. As you mentioned, "the dirt will cover the "graffiti" again," which to me serves as a metaphor for the city as a whole. Everything has its cycle, and something like this is a small scale way to highlight how Detroit can begin to upswing again, through the relatively small actions of a few individuals.

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Paul Reader

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December 05, 2011, 01:38PM

Amanda, really love the imaginative nature of this. Can see this as a backdrop to street performance too.Gives the opportunity to use space creatively to convey messages of hope and inspiration.

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Amanda Drescher's reply to Kevin Siwoff's comment

Amanda Drescher

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December 05, 2011, 08:03PM

Thanks Paul!

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U of M D-Up

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December 03, 2011, 05:44PM

Wow! I love the way using cleaning as a medium really sends the message that everyone can do something small to help the community. It's a beautiful way to advocate for action, without inspiring guilt.

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Amanda Drescher's reply to Kevin Siwoff's comment

Amanda Drescher

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December 05, 2011, 08:02PM

Thanks Ross Team! I completely agree :) To me this medium is symbolic as well. Often, the first step before taking any type of restorative (e.g., painting a building) or regenerative (i.e., repurposing an abandoned building) action is, literally, cleaning the slate so that the additions can be built on a fresh surface. This medium not only advocates for action without inspiring guilt, it also prepares an area (or cleans the slate) for whatever will follow.

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Ana Cecilia Santos

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November 11, 2011, 12:18AM

Beautiful!

And you'd doing a double good deed - cleaning a city + introducing art. (With some help through education in a community) - this could be a great project to start, through a school or a social group.

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Amanda Drescher's reply to Kevin Siwoff's comment

Amanda Drescher

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November 11, 2011, 12:27AM

Thanks Ana. I agree that there are two main benefits to something like reverse graffiti, (1) you are cleaning the city, and (2) you're making it more beautiful :-) The idea of having a school or social group start the project is an interesting one, thanks!

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Anne-Laure Fayard

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November 10, 2011, 12:55AM

Very nice Amanda. I also like the way Curtis talks about how he was inspired by trying to clean a dot on a wall. I also like a point about diffusion and when he had started, he had to keep cleaning it. The issue is to get the process started...

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Amanda Drescher's reply to Kevin Siwoff's comment