The Center’s training enabled Rohani’s team to move beyond “problem-solving” into a more reflective and audience-focused practice, fostering meaningful engagement.
Roshani Thakore, an artist and organizer, leveraged the Center for Artistic Activism’s training to re-imagine community engagement at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). Roshani introduced to Center for Artistic Activism’s Creative Campaigns Toolkit, she integrated its methods, notably the Creative Process and Audience Personas, into ARC’s community practices. This approach enabled planners to move beyond “problem-solving” into a more reflective and audience-focused practice, fostering meaningful engagement.
One significant project applied these principles to an agricultural planning event, re-framing it as a joyful “food festival” for a community without a grocery store. Roshani also introduced the concept of utopia, encouraging her team to envision aspirational goals, adding depth and purpose to their work. utopia
Through C4AA’s influence, Roshani noted a shift in ARC’s perspective, emphasizing creativity, joy, and community-centered approaches. This transformation not only built stronger community relationships but also empowered local participants to take an active role in shaping their environment.
“The Center’s training introduced me to innovative strategies that have enriched my community engagement practices. Being part of the C4AA community has connected me with like-minded professionals, fostering collaborations that have expanded my work’s reach.”
— Roshani Thakore, Director, Community Engagement & Culture Program, Atlanta Regional Commission, USA