Art, in its many forms, is connected to the community. It brings people together, defines physical space, drives economic development, creates a sense of place and encourages dialogue.

In Wailuku, SMALL TOWN * BIG ART (ST*BA) has played an integral role in helping to shape the town’s arts and cultural identity.

ST*BA was developed through an Our Town grant by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); which is its signature creative placemaking program that supports partnerships of artists, cultural organizations, and municipal government working together to revitalize neighborhoods.

From the start, ST*BA’s goal was to foster Wailuku’s prevailing arts scene through public art projects that spoke to its distinct history, culture and sense of place. Efforts encouraged residents and visitors to ask questions, feel inspired to provide feedback and ultimately share a sense of ownership of each experience. Cumulatively, these participatory experiences empower people to continue to work for positive change within the neighborhood and to engage more deeply in the wide range of arts opportunities that Wailuku has to offer. 

Today, ST*BA is leading an initiative in partnership with governmental, cultural-based nonprofit, and private sector leadership to establish portions of Wailuku as an official “Arts District.”

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