Art as a Tool for Urban Development
Cities are evolving.
New lifestyles, digital shopping habits, and vacant spaces challenge familiar structures.
Art can add new energy and visibility during this phase of transformation.
Art is not a “nice to have.” It becomes a strategic tool for shaping cities.
It activates spaces, connects people, strengthens the city’s image, and makes urban development emotionally tangible.
MidtownVibes.art supports cities in using this potential in a targeted way – pragmatic, collaborative, and result-oriented.
Three common goals of our partner cities:
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Activate vacant spaces – temporary use as a visible sign of change.
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Enhance livability – transform squares, paths, parks, and courtyards into new places of experience.
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Strengthen the city’s image – through nationwide visibility and positive media coverage.
Pathways to Vibrant Urban Spaces
Every city has its own conditions – and often limited resources.
MidtownVibes.art helps municipalities create visible momentum with realistic steps and suitable formats.
Sometimes it all starts with a small project that builds trust, attention, and experience – and from there, a recurring program can grow.
QUICK VISIBLE IMPULSES
For cities starting with a small budget, short-term art actions are ideal – for example, in vacant shops, on façades, or in public squares.
These small-scale interventions quickly show that something is happening, create confidence, and open conversations about new uses.
→ Ideal for: cities that want to gain first-hand experience with art in public space and set visible signs of change.
FOSTERING PARTICIPATION
Workshops, participatory actions, or temporary art labs invite citizens, schools, and associations to take an active role.
These formats strengthen identification and pride and create encounters that last well beyond the project itself.
→ IIdeal for: municipalities that want to focus on participation, community, and local stories.
PILOT PROJECTS WITH IMPACT
A single, well-defined project can have a strong effect. A light installation, sculpture, or urban art piece creates visible experiences, brings partners together, and attracts media attention.
Such projects generate valuable insights that reveal the potential of art for downtown areas, tourism, and the city’s image.
→ Ideal for: cities that want to send a strong signal and reach a broad audience.
ART AS PART OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Art can be integrated into existing strategies – such as downtown programs, city anniversaries, or funding projects.
This creates lasting value: recurring formats, cooperation between culture, business, and city planning, and a city identity that visibly grows.
→ IIdeal for: cities that aim to make art a long-term part of their urban development.
Together with cities, we develop projects that start realistically and can grow over time.
From the first idea to strategic concepts, we accompany you on the path toward vibrant, identity-building urban spaces.
Why Cities Work with Us
Experience in Urban Change
We understand the intersections between culture, business, and administration.
Result-Oriented Implementation
Clear goals, transparent processes, measurable results.
Tailored Solutions
Every city is different – and every project too. We adapt formats to local budgets, locations, and target groups.
Positive Public Perception
Temporary art projects generate visibility, media reach, and local identification.
How We Work:
1. Listening and Understanding
We begin with your goals, challenges, and framework conditions.
Only then do we develop concrete ideas.
2. Concept and Artist Selection
We prepare proposals with clear objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Selected artists from our international network bring creative quality and experience to each project.
3. Implementation and Impact
We accompany the entire process – from permits to impact evaluation (e.g., visitor numbers, media coverage, mobility data).
The First Step Is Simple.
A short conversation is enough to explore opportunities and ideas for your city.
Write to us – we will get back to you promptly.
Jan Illerhues
Kerstin Koschnicke