How to get the Sidewalk Joy movement going in your area
Do you want to see the Sidewalk Joy movement happen in your community? Here are a few tips I have for getting it going:
November’s Small Scenes installation
1. Make a Sidewalk Joy Spot
If you can, consider making a Sidewalk Joy spot yourself. See this post for tips on making your own Sidewalk Joy spot and this post (coming soon) for rental-friendly ideas. If you don’t have a space to host a spot, consider teaming up with a friend who does. You can help create, decorate, and/or stock (if applicable) the structure.
2. Find any Sidewalk Joy Spots that already exist in your area
Go exploring, check the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map and/or ask around! There may already be some lovely spots near you. Feel free to leave them this flyer (link coming soon) if you do find a spot that’s not on the worldwide map.
3. Encourage people you know to make a spot as well
The more the merrier! As the number of Sidewalk Joy spots in your area grow, more folks will hear about the movement and be inspired to make their own installation as well! Consider offering whatever time or talents you have (perhaps you have extra shingles after making your spot or are adept at painting signs!). Anything you can do to help make the process less intimidating for others will go a long way. Consider sending folks this article about how to make a Sidewalk Joy spot as well!
4. Make a local Sidewalk Joy Map
One thing that really connected our community was making a local map and directory. We used Google MyMaps for the PDX Sidewalk Joy map and made the directory using InDesign but you could use anything for either, including free software.
Please only include installation on your map that the owners have given permission to post about. Don’t forget to tell me about your map! I’d love to hear about it.
5. Make a social media presence for your installation
This is absolutely not a requirement but having a social media presence can help spread the word about what you’ve created. I’ve had so many local folks swing by because they saw one of my posts or reels. They wouldn’t have known my Dino Exchange or Dioramas were a thing without me being active on social media! Having a social media presence is also great for finding your people who will cheer you on as you update your spot or offer support if anything negative happens to your installation (see this article if you’re worried about vandalism). And lastly, it’ll be a great way for people to reach out if your spot has inspired one of their own!
6. Get your city involved and/or apply for grants
Cost can absolutely be a barrier-to-entry for many who would want to join this movement so consider applying for grants to create Sidewalk Joy spots. Your city may have an arts council that you could pitch the idea to as well. I’ll be updating this section with more ideas as well so check back.