Listening and learning – how can we increase BIPOC engagement in local parks by using the arts?
On Thursday October 20th, CultureWorks hosted a focus group led by Hope College Professor Pablo Peschiera, aimed at increasing BIPOC engagement and presence at local parks, by adding an artistic element. Funded by the Mellon Foundation in collaboration with Hope College, the focus group included community members and local Parks and Recreation staff who engaged in a demonstration of what it would look like to bring art to our parks.
Community members expressed their creativity using hand-carved stamps featuring plants, flowers, and other natural elements. Participants printed greeting cards using oil-based inks and engaged in conversation around what brought them to CultureWorks that evening. After the activity, they participated in a deep discussion about their opinions on park usage and how their identity as BIPOC influences their behavior. We were encouraged to hear that progress is being made to promote equity in different spaces throughout the community. CultureWorks is thankful to Pablo Peschiera and Parks and Recreation for including us in this work to increase diversity and inclusion in West Michigan.
