The project will end in 2001 with a report that assesses what the participants gained from the program and how local initiatives can continue. Partners is working to disseminate and implement the results of Ms. Heath's work by creating a dialog among cultural, community development and youth development advocates on using arts and cultural resources to assist youth. The publication ArtShow and accompanying video are available through Partners' bookstore. Through the process of learning and doing, participants will become familiar with the value of arts programs to youth development, create joint programs and receive seed money for implementation. This initiative is designed to kindle a strategic collaboration among institutions such as museums, libraries, churches, schools and parks to provide nurturing, inspiration, safety, support and mentoring for children at risk in their communities.
Partners proposes developing demonstration projects in communities.
The Neighborhood Housing Services Corporation of America has found that public spaces in low-income neighborhoods are the meeting places and organizing points of the community. Partners is developing a program that will explore how amenities such as community centers, community gardens and parks, and design quality of public and affordable housing can be resources for neighborhood cooperation, security, pride and beautification. The program will also explore using cultural resources for innovative programs for children, youth, the elderly, and new immigrants. Multicultural Communities - Bridges for Understanding and Cooperation Partners is exploring two complimentary concepts involving amenity and multicultural cooperation. The development of public amenities for economic redevelopment can serve as a non-controversial basis upon which civic leaders of all races can begin to work together.