(2011-06) Acosta-Myers, Yasmin A. (Yasmin Arlette)
Gathering Places as Cultural Passages explores place and social interactions in relation to art. This
research capstone delves into theoretical ways of seeing and addressing how different communities
evoke the historical memories of a place. An extensive literature review explores how gathering
spaces can become sustainable cultural and social assets in engaging communities.
The study additionally presents unique arts projects that engage community members in
the learning and creation process, with the purpose of helping communities become aware of their
own cultures and to be socially engaged. I define gathering places as public spaces, historical
places, or cultural landmarks in communities, which serve as cultural passages in guiding the
formation and creation of a sense of place and belonging. Gathering spaces provide opportunities to
create an environment for expression and learning, which can represent the cultures of a
community.
