"The power of a good idea."

– Rob Bliss

How can we reimagine the world around us into something more than just streets and buildings?  This is the central question I have been trying to answer for the past four years.  As a Grand Rapids native who has both participated and observed placemaking I have learned these central truths that can change both the face and soul of a city.  

The birth of creativity in public space comes from the bending of rules. Just as a sculptor bends and molds his medium, so must a creative that chooses to work in a public space. A city government that is open-armed and open-minded to their right-brained citizens will be rewarded with great public image and cultural growth.

A city government that is open-armed and open-minded to their right brained citizens will be rewarded with great public image and cultural growth.

Grassroots placemaking survives solely on the generosity of local businesses, foundations, and government grants. Without these economic opportunities in place, the creative vision of ordinary citizens will never see the light.

The creatives that enjoy the warmth of day must nurture the seeds still toiling in the dirt. If our most popular don’t assist and advise the imagination of others, their shadow will kill off our next generation of thinkers.

These are the truths that allowed an unknown kid from a community college, armed only with a good idea, to create what leads to millions and millions of dollars for his hometown. Behold, the power of placemaking.