Art This Way is a creative placemaking program working to bring more public art into Fort Wayne, IN. We operate under the umbrella of the Fort Wayne Downtown Economic Improvement District. From 2017-2019 we were focused on alley activation. We chose alleyways, not because the art should be hidden away, but rather for the purposes of activation, bringing people into these spaces and changing the way the spaces are used. Our goals included creating a tourism destination, economic growth, and catalyzing business growth and use of the alleyway spaces in our city. Quality inter-connectivity defines an urban experience and the overall livability and identity of downtown; Alleyways can have an active and dynamic role in our city's urban fabric IF we reinvent their purpose and maximize on their potential! The overarching purpose of this program is to inspire interest from adjoining property owners, businesses and residents to create high quality urban spaces that encourage active use and engagement to enhance public life in Fort Wayne, IN. Over fifteen property owners within a two block area of downtown Fort Wayne signed agreements to participate in the program. All of our projects are on private property. In 2017 we installed five projects. In 2018 we commissioned murals by Tim Parsley (with help from his USF SOCA students), Matthew Plett, Bryan Ballinger, & Tammy Davis. In 2019 we commissioned artist 1010 and Shawn Dunwoody to install large murals. Our initial sponsors were the Downtown Economic Improvement District and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Our 2018 sponsors include Design Collaborative, Aptera Software, Sweetwater Sound, USF SOCA, and JK O'Donnells. In the words of former FWDID President, Bill Brown, "Public art gives the public realm a soul." Public art attracts and retains talent, engenders a distinct community identity, fosters pride of place,improves quality of life & generates economic growth.