The Artist-Developer: A Case Study of Impact through Art-Centered Community Development in Neighborhoods of Color

This paper, which is derived from the author's dissertation at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, delves into the community development efforts of Project Row Houses in Houston, Texas. The dissertation examined three prominent African American artists who have used arts-based real estate development to create positive change in their neighborhoods, one of them being Rick Lowe, co-founder of Project Row Houses. Through a multiple case study approach, the author investigated the real estate, design, and artistic actions that led to the creation of these projects and the social benefits that followed. The paper illustrates Project Row Houses as a case study in creative and robust holistic community development.