This course focuses on the role arts, culture and design can play in equitable community planning and development. Key facets of this course include: exploring how artists affect community change and the social, economic and cultural roles that artists play in their communities; how artists can support populations of people within their communities; and the policies that have supported and inhibited this work. Students will investigate civic and social practice art, creative placemaking, teaching artistry, and arts policy as they work to understand the skills needed to create social action and community change through their work. Exploration of the historical role of the arts in social movement and community planning efforts will lead into a discussion of current practice via case studies, readings, podcasts, documentaries, and interactive discussions.