The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide
The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide is a growing collection of people, organizations, projects, books, ideas and ongoing conversations about cities and the people who shape them. It grows out of the podcast, but extends well beyond it—connecting the people doing the work, the places where it’s happening, and the ideas, experiments and resources worth carrying forward. Think of it as part reference library, part trail of breadcrumbs: a way to follow the conversation wherever it leads.
Explore by type, browse alphabetically or by date, or search for something specific. Follow the tags to discover connections—or explore the map to see where the people, projects and ideas in the Field Guide take us.
Palaces for the People
In Palaces for the People, sociologist Eric Klinenberg explores the power of social infrastructure—the libraries, parks, markets, and gathering places that build relationships, strengthen communities, and support civic life. A compelling argument for investing in the places that bring people together.
Coop’s Soup
Coop's Soups is a community-focused social enterprise and ministry founded by pastor Cristin Cooper in Olney, Maryland. It uses locally sourced, vegan, and gluten-free soups packaged in reusable mason jars to fight loneliness, build local connections, and support a participatory dinner church gathering known as Soup Church.
Pico
PICO is the canine face of the Social District in Downtown Los Angeles and the inspiration behind Pico’s Corner, the district’s collection of resources for neighborhood dogs and their people. The guide connects residents and visitors with dog parks, the district’s Barklets, grooming, veterinary care, pet stores, and doggy day care—an unusually delightful example of a business district treating four-legged residents as part of downtown life.
ARTogether
ARTogether’s mission is to provide art programs that foster compassionate communities where refugees and immigrants can flourish
We envision a world where there are no barriers—or borders—to art and creative expression, where everyone is welcomed and their stories have impact.