The Hub Project: Connecting neighbourhoods through art

2018-2019

The City of Kingston recently launched The Hub Project, which aims to transform the intersection of Princess and Division Street through public art. The crossroad of Princess and Division Streets in Kingston acts as a hub; it is where multiple neighbourhoods meet and is a gateway to the downtown. PROCESS led the engagement strategy with the public as well as internal and external stakeholders to build capacity and mutual understanding of what public art can look like for the area; gain input and insight on ideas to revitalize Princess and Division Street; and elicit feedback from internal and external stakeholders on public art implementation.

In September 2018 and March 2019, PROCESS team members led arts-based activations to reach a diversity of Kingston residents. Over 350 people participated. At the event, we provided printed still images of the intersection at Princess and Division. Participants were invited to use paint pens as well as public art icons to represent their visions for public art atop the printed frames. The feedback was turned into a stop-motion animation video, available here.

PROCESS also joined an internal workshop with the City-Building Directors Working Group). As part of this discussion, we explored how public art can be integrated in the city-building process to help enliven and transform public and privately-owned public spaces; how to ensure an integrated approach to public art at the intersection; and where the various divisions can work collaboratively to find alignment with their priorities and projects. Our recommendations included a three-phased approach to public art, including a placemaking strategy.

Client

City of Kingston, Culture Division

Service Areas

• Public Art + Cultural Planning

• Process + Strategy

• Engagement + Facilitation

• Arts-based engagement