Cultural Asset Mapping
A roadmap that connects culture, economy, and community well-being together.
Uncover the hidden creative economy powering your community’s future growth.
What is Cultural Asset Mapping
Cultural Asset Mapping is the process of identifying and documenting the creative resources that exist within a community. These assets include more than just arts organizations or museums—they extend to local artists, cultural traditions, businesses, venues, festivals, and even the stories held by residents. By mapping both nonprofit and for-profit cultural activity, as well as the human capital of the people who live and create in your community, this process provides a comprehensive snapshot of your community’s cultural ecosystem.
Why Is It Important?
Every community is rich with creativity, but those assets often remain hidden or undervalued. Cultural Asset Mapping shines a light on what already exists—uncovering opportunities, identifying gaps, and making visible the networks that fuel belonging and growth. This work helps civic leaders, businesses, and cultural organizations:
Understand their unique creative economy and cultural identity.
Leverage existing strengths to attract investment, tourism, and talent.
Build stronger cross-sector partnerships in health, education, business, and beyond.
Create more equitable and inclusive cultural opportunities for all residents.
What You’ll Receive
At the conclusion of the process, your community will receive a comprehensive Cultural Assessment Report, which may include:
An inventory of cultural organizations, businesses, and creative practitioners.
Data on the creative economy’s impact, participation trends, and demographics.
Asset maps (print and interactive) showing cultural spaces and activities.
Community survey results and stakeholder feedback.
Strategic recommendations tailored to your community’s priorities.
This report becomes both a planning tool and a communications asset—equipping you to make informed decisions, advocate for resources, and celebrate your community’s cultural story.
Public Works Integration
From transportation corridors to parks and civic centers, we design and administer art projects that complement infrastructure and improve daily life.
Community-Led Processes
We empower residents to shape the art in their neighborhoods, ensuring projects reflect lived experiences and community identity.
Policy & Infrastructure Development
We work with cities and organizations to build sustainable frameworks, codes, and policies for integrating art into planning and design.
Program Maintenance & Artist Support
We establish long-term plans for care and conservation, ensuring artworks remain vibrant and artists have the support they need post-installation.
The Long-Term Impact
Cultural Asset Mapping is not just about data collection—it’s about transformation. Once a community sees its creative strengths clearly, new opportunities emerge:
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Economic Development: Local businesses and cultural tourism can thrive by aligning with creative assets.
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Community Identity: Residents feel more connected to the unique character and heritage of their place.
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Policy and Planning: Cities can align cultural investments with growth strategies, zoning, and infrastructure.
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Sustainability: Artists, makers, and creatives gain visibility and support, strengthening the cultural workforce.
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Collaboration: Cross-sector partners—from healthcare to business—can tap into arts and culture as solutions for social well-being and innovation.
By revealing and leveraging these assets, communities gain the power to not only celebrate their cultural life but also to strategically invest in it—ensuring arts and culture are seen as essential to economic growth, quality of life, and civic pride.
