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.

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Creative Placemaking

Ann Markusen and Anne Gadwa’s landmark 2010 report helped define creative placemaking: using arts and culture as active tools in shaping communities. Drawing on projects across the country, it examines how cross-sector partnerships can animate places, strengthen local economies, and build community identity.

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US Chamber of Connection

U.S. Chamber of Connection — A national nonprofit working to rebuild social connection, trust, and belonging in American communities. Through local Chambers of Connection, research, events, and its “Six Points of Connection” framework, the organization brings together residents, employers, and community builders to strengthen relationships across differences and make connection a more intentional part of civic and community life.

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Dr. Christine Brooks

Christine Brooks PHD is an educator, coach, and practitioner whose work explores creativity, self-awareness, social intelligence, and community building. At the California Institute of Integral Studies, she helps prepare expressive arts coaches and facilitators to use creative practice as a tool for connection and transformation.