This essay considers what value art and humanities can bring to discourse on important civic issues. 'Artists and cultural organizations have devoted much creative energy to the concept of community development and the realization of community. They have championed cultural development and cultural policy equal in value to other aspects of civic life. They have helped advance civic goals related to urban design, economic development, youth development and downtown and neighborhood revitalization. The arts have called up a sense of humanity to deepen understanding around persistent social issues of race, economic inequity and identity. In the myriad and interrelated dimensions of community life — social, civic, cultural, political — the flow of conversation back and forth is essential to understanding, decision making and accountability. Open and meaningful public dialogue is a critical means to any and all community-development ends.'

http://www.communityarts.net/readingroom/archive/intro-commdev.php