Theaster Gates: How to revive a neighborhood: with imagination, beauty and art

Theaster Gates, a potter by training and a social activist by calling, wanted to do something about the sorry state of his neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. So he did, transforming abandoned buildings to create community hubs that connect and inspire those who still live there (and draw in those who don't). In this passionate talk, Gates describes his efforts to build a "miniature Versailles" in Chicago, and he shares his fervent belief that culture can be a catalyst for social transformation in any city, anywhere.
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[@simoncharwey8513]

This video inspired my imagination process and felt a connection to my career progression. Thank you, Theaster Gates.

[@michaelh102]

This man is truly a modern day Visionary. The link between things and people most of us take for granted. A city is a remarkable thing which didn't simply appear from out of the ground by itself. We have a responsibility to prevent disuse and decay, which otherwise will be our human legacy.

[@Quantum2142]

If you change the environment then so shall its people. SIMPLE AS THAT. Thank goodness Theaster Gates was able to put the hard work to show us this holds truth

[@Nihilist_Porcupine]

Wow! What a great talk... it's truly amazing the things that can be accomplished when people take risks and invest in their communities. Also, props to TED for finally featuring more people of color. I've noticed the recent uptick and, as a long time viewer of color, I'm super happy about it. :)

[@philg6757]

This young man and his friends show what community can do if set loose.

[@AkeishaArt]

Absolutely Inspiring Theaster! I’m doing an essay on your wonderful work and passion for community spirit! Thanks for showing us all the great ways to evoke cultural change in our local communities! I feel enlightened🙌🏾motivated🙌🏾energised🙌🏾Thankful

[@nsightguru]

Wonderful and inspiring. Love how he helps us see the connection of synergies to create something culturally bigger better and RESPECTED.

[@ImpowerYou]

One of the best talks on regard to urban development as well as gentrification, art and community.

[@smvml89]

Wow. Very impressive man.

[@emarkjacobs]

I generally dont watch ted, but a friend of yours from seattle recommended this. Thanks

[@HasheemHalim]

very inspiring, i hope to do this work in Charlotte in the near future. great precedent

[@ChrisComstock612]

its all about what we all agree we prefer the way things should be and then working together to make it that way

[@jbmetrics42]

We need to change our society focus from 'growth' to a more balanced one of 'sustainability' and Mr. Gates and his community are addressing this problem the right way. Bravo!

[@RafaelCardoso299]

An incredible and fantastic story. Theaster rocks !

[@FDanielHobson]

Beautiful talk. I hope that Gary, Indiana takes heed to this as a possible way to rectify a lot of the issues we have with blight there.

[@lilijil265]

3번 스크립트 3:10 4:15 8:00 10:05 11:24

[@Artisdoingsomethinggomojo]

ART IS DOING SOMETHING!

[@pkingo1]

This is beautiful and how I see societies transform :) Not through some governmental policy but by people taking inspired action, following their hearts.. that's when magic happens.

[@ZakKohler]

hello from Akron! great talk, best of luck!

[@AveryBrownLovesMusic]

Powerful talk, and an awesome guy to lead the way for this innovative creation, to serve the future!

[@topgurl9313]

Beautiful talk

[@remoney]

This was really good!

[@cellocovers3982]

This is awesome haha love this guy.

[@killerkat]

I don't really understand what's wrong with me, but I had to watch a couple of these art films for my school assignments, and I struggled to sit through them. I just can't seem to connect with art. When I saw what they turned the house into, all I could think was "this is why we pay homeowner association fees." But hey, I do have a 4.0 GPA, so evidently some of this art is sinking in enough for me to pass my assignments.

[@vthilton]

Sharing, Justice and Peace for all will Save Our Planet.

[@SimplyMayaBeauty]

Wonderful!

[@Seiku]

Interesting idea. This is another video that has shown me how some laws (like the zoning laws) can hinder progress. Although, some say we need these laws for consumer protection or to preserve our history.

[@conniewalker-carter5835]

Terrific. I'ma See Ya.

[@mojomichele5492]

AWESOME!

[@BenBezuidenhout]

We need your vision in South Africa to revive the black townships.

[@mhtinla]

WHY REVIVE? Abandoned neighborhoods are themselves ART, BEAUTY, and HISTORY. Imagine visiting an abandoned hood, observing its people, and admiring its glorious past. It's like a living MUSEUM!!

[@jordanetherington1922]

mhtinla Because people are living in squalor? It seems incredibly immoral to want people to not make their homes better because it's like a MUSEUM

[@mhtinla]

Jordan Etherington Immoral? It's only in your head. One small change in mindset can set you free. Hunger and poverty overpower shame. Ever heard of Favela in Brazil? Slumtourism is becoming popular in many poor neighborhoods around the world. It's a form of ecotourism to make such "hoods" self-sustainable.

[@levensc7915]

But just think, just because you a a person that does not live in "the hood," does not give you jurisdiction over other people that do. If they want help then, we should help them achieve to do so. Try to take the perspective of someone that doesn't have the same opportunity to basic human staples. Would you want to be mocked as a museum. Just because it's happening in other places does not mean that that is the most logical path for everyone.

[@mhtinla]

Claudia Levens "does not give you jurisdiction over other people that do" Exactly my point!! If the residents in the "hoods" know these can be tourist attractions, they should not be deprived of the same opportunities as Favela in Brazil.

[@mhtinla]

I didn't invent it. Just stating the fact. Google Favela Brazil and look it up.

[@atleminh2264]

from k15 fpt HoLa with love

[@PeacockMediaPosts]

What do we do with neighborhoods that people don't want to live in? Listen to Theaster Gates talk about How to Revive a Neighborhood - starting with IMAGINING what else could happen.

[@Chavagnatze]

This stuff is supposed to come after people have disposal income. If there is no gainful employment and economic opportunities, you will not fix the problems in any community. Poverty, crime, and blight are only symptoms.

[@gagetucker7046]

So you can only have an experience with art/culture if you have disposable income???

[@mhtinla]

BURNING is the fastest way to cheer up a neighborhood (free fireworks!!) and to bring down abandoned houses. And yeah.... I'm from Detroit, the most interesting city in America. Jokes aside, reviving the buildings don't matter. It's the people in the neighborhood. When they are poor, they are in no mood of enjoying ART. They are only in the mood of FINDING NEXT MEAL or something they can take for next meal. In fact, if you make your house beautiful in the hood, you just make yourself a target.

[@galaxzy9091]

mhtinla Please don't speak on something you don't know anything about. He lives in the same neighborhood as my grandparents and my grandmother is on his committee. The neighborhood used to be horrible, now it's better.

[@magister343]

Zoning laws should be abolished.

[@marcoreus7146]

First

[@HiAdrian]

Marco Reus Last to get your driver's license.

[@dr.smalldongjohnson1976]

As a gay person that didn't watch this video i find it incredibly offensive and religious. This type of behavior can not be tolerated because of the Hitler like message it portrays.

[@mhtinla]

Perhaps Mr. Gates can call his brother, the other Mr. Gates, to drop some hundred dollar bills from the helicopter. That will revive the neighborhood instantly.

[@Viktir123]

I think Detroit is doomed.

[@胡健-t1t]

awesome idea!

[@onehumanity9059]

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME! Congratulations on both your efforts, which are unusual to find any effort in the hood, and your success. May it continue to THRIVE!

[@buseaktas5108]

"i believe that beauty is a basic service"

[@jaycorvan9250]

This video and this artists outlines the importance of collaboration and the skill with which a humble potter can energize the community and build connections and alliances to help people to move ideas forward. It inspires hope and is inspirational to all. I challenge others to be as brilliant and selfless , compassionate, and get this much accomplished in a lifetime.

[@bastet.lioness]

This is what I want to do 😭.

[@EvanCarmichael]

Thanks for sharing theaster gates :) #Believe

[@jaydee11.11]

If you know how to listen, the Universe senda signs! Watching Theaster on AppleTV is.a😮 Sign! An urban planner and artist ugh!

[@kimjameson7979]

Brilliant. One of TED's presentations that will change the thinking of so many viewers in a good way. Maybe when each neighborhood has its own resident artists, we'll all be better people. Paducah, KY comes to mind.

[@molekulaTV]

Amazing!!!! :)

[@ChanellJWilson]

Brilliant

[@bazaci]

The power of socially engaged art in full display. Thank you

[@bastet.lioness]

I am IN LOVE 😍!

[@juju101]

currently looking at arts class for continuing education, one of them being pottery.. timing of watching this talk tells me that this should be the one! thanks theaster :)

[@niory]

WOW !!! I am inspired !!! What a man ! what a human !

[@1927chet]

This man is such an inspiration.