Westside Studio Paints the Town

The University of Utah’s City and Metropolitan Planning Department, in conjunction with community partners, local stakeholders, and Salt Lake City, will conduct research and implement projects that will foster a stronger sense of community in neighborhoods along the Jordan River. In association with this effort, the spring 2012 Westside Studio class completed a public art project resulting in the installation of street banners and created a resource guide for community identitybuilding techniques.

Over the past year, UNP, NeighborWorks Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City’s Community and Economic Development Department have been discussing the idea of the west side communities as a larger “River District.” To start the discussion within the community on this new identifier, the Westside Studio reached out to school-aged children on the west side through an art contest for street banners. To connect with this younger demographic, the Studio partnered with schools, after-school programs, and community organizations to distribute entry forms throughout the community. Various community partners, community members, local artists, and city officials were brought together as a judging panel to select the winners. The Studio actively worked within the west side community and beyond to raise project funding and gather prizes for the children. The 10 winning designs were printed on large vinyl street banners and hung from the street lights on California Avenue and 800 South between I-15 and the Jordan River, and on the corner of 800 South and 900 West. To celebrate the culmination of the work, a community celebration was held at the Sorenson Unity Center where the entries were displayed and prizes were awarded to the winners. The Studio hopes the banners spark discussion about the “River District” concept.

To further the initiative of establishing a community identity for the “River District” and other areas, a new community resource was created; a recipe book for building community identity. The goal of Recipes for Building Your Community Identity (available upon request) is to provide a guide that illustrates potential community identity-building activities and techniques.

The ideas presented are divided into four main categories and present a “recipe” for creating an event or program, as well as a case study illustrating the idea.

However, the included ideas are just a starting point, and the book aims to inspire the general public and local partners to develop more possibilities for their communities. Feedback cards are included to solicit and incorporate community input, as well as encourage collaboration and creativity. Consequently, the book is designed to be a “living tool” and continually grow as more ideas are added. The possibilities are endless and a strong community identity is within reach!

The Westside Studio’s contribution to the existing work completed by the community partners and local organizations will hopefully be an asset for the community and serve as a catalyst for future efforts in building community identity along the Jordan River and throughout Salt Lake City.