Design for the public interest takes on many forms, from Main Street redevelopment to landscape architecture to historic preservation. In all the rural towns HAC has worked with and featured in this issue of Rural Voices, there is also an element of engaging the community to create a shared vision for all town residents. Partnering with local artists to paint a mural or build a coalition for a local creative economy not only brings more beauty into public spaces, it can draw economic investment to the town. Ultimately, local citizens are tapping design to create a sense of place-that's what creative placemaking is all about.
HAC's foray into rural design has only solidified our housing work, while broadening the horizons for us and for our partners. Moreover, HAC's founding documents cite the need for thoughtful design that engages the low-income rural people and communities that we've long served. Support from the National Endowment for the Arts makes it possible to carry out this charge.
