Studio History & Philosophy: Deep Understanding and Co-Creation

At Cochran Studio, we view human life as part of a larger, interconnected whole, informed by our growing understanding of our impact on the natural world and each other. This perspective has inspired innovative cultural and social engagement in the arts—particularly participatory public art projects that highlight shared creativity and collective efficacy, or co-creation. Our work harnesses the imaginative power of communities to strengthen, sustain, and amplify the impact of public art, fostering lasting social and cultural transformation.

This philosophy has yielded tangible results in several landmark projects. Our early work, Community Bridge, drew participants from across the U.S. and thirty other countries to create a mass-scale public art piece that bridged divides and sparked over $350 million in revitalization. This transformation not only revitalized a long-stalled urban park but also generated over a thousand new jobs and attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year. More impressively, the story of Community Bridge is a powerful tool for understanding the human condition in new ways. The Community Bridge story did not end there, however. Thirty years later, after decades of neglect, the project is being recreated. What new insights will the Bridge offer us in new times?

Cochran Studio has led a variety of other high-impact projects. Most recently, Cochran Studio’s work includes the nation’s first artist-designed streetscape—the downtown in Cumberland, Maryland, which has been praised as a world-class example of sustainable public space.

In Rochester, New York, we helped develop ARTWalk2, an innovative public art trail that weaves together art, history, and community engagement. ARTWalk2 has become a vital cultural and economic asset for the city, connecting neighborhoods and institutions and enhancing the public’s relationship with the arts.

Our collaboration with the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) leading up to ARTWalk2 culminated in the Centennial Sculpture Park on the grounds that had been fenced off since before the Civil War. The MAG property is now an open community gathering place connecting people with art, showcasing significant works of contemporary sculpture, featuring an interactive Poets Walk, and offering visitors a dynamic and immersive experience while contributing to the city’s cultural vitality.

Our public art master plans, cultural trails, and sculpture parks continue to transform communities, strengthen local economies, and foster civic pride.

Cochran Studio is dedicated to using art as a tool for urban transformation, collaborating with municipalities, developers, cultural organizations, and communities to create public spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, inclusive, and reflect the values of the residents while enriching the lives of those who engage with them.

Reflections from the Studio

Death & Rebirth of Community Bridge

This report details the reasons for the loss of Community Bridge and outlines a way to bring this powerhouse public artwork back online.
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Indicators Your Public Art Policy May Need a Professional Overhaul

This checklist was compiled after reviewing a Maryland municipality's public art policy as expressed in its handbook, and noting the most obvious gaps. It serves as a quick gauge to determine how closely the public art program and policies of a municipality align with established professional standards, and underlines the need to engage a veteran public art consultant with deep policy expertise when developing public art policy. Does your program meet these essential indicators? If not, your public art policy may be due for a comprehensive professional overhaul!
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15 Most Popular Worst Practices in Public Art Policy

(because 10 wasn't enough for America's favorites) 1. No Criteria, No Problem! Don’t publish standards for artistic excellence, durability, or context fit. Let taste and politics decide. Outcome: A collection that can’t be defended when anyone asks, “Why this?”
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Co-Creation

Studio History & Philosophy: Deep Understanding and Co-Creation

At Cochran Studio, we view human life as part of a larger, interconnected whole, informed by our growing understanding of our impact on the natural world and each other. This perspective has inspired innovative cultural and social engagement in the arts—particularly participatory public art projects that highlight shared creativity and collective efficacy, or co-creation. Our work harnesses the imaginative power of communities to strengthen, sustain, and amplify the impact of public art, fostering lasting social and cultural transformation.

This philosophy has yielded tangible results in several landmark projects. Our early work, Community Bridge, drew participants from across the U.S. and thirty other countries to create a mass-scale public art piece that bridged divides and sparked over $350 million in revitalization. This transformation not only revitalized a long-stalled urban park but also generated over a thousand new jobs and attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year. More impressively, the story of Community Bridge is a powerful tool for understanding the human condition in new ways. The Community Bridge story did not end there, however. Thirty years later, after decades of neglect, the project is being recreated. What new insights will the Bridge offer us in new times?

Cochran Studio has led a variety of other high-impact projects. Most recently, Cochran Studio’s work includes the nation’s first artist-designed streetscape—the downtown in Cumberland, Maryland, which has been praised as a world-class example of sustainable public space.

In Rochester, New York, we helped develop ARTWalk2, an innovative public art trail that weaves together art, history, and community engagement. ARTWalk2 has become a vital cultural and economic asset for the city, connecting neighborhoods and institutions and enhancing the public’s relationship with the arts.

Our collaboration with the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) leading up to ARTWalk2 culminated in the Centennial Sculpture Park on the grounds that had been fenced off since before the Civil War. The MAG property is now an open community gathering place connecting people with art, showcasing significant works of contemporary sculpture, featuring an interactive Poets Walk, and offering visitors a dynamic and immersive experience while contributing to the city’s cultural vitality.

Our public art master plans, cultural trails, and sculpture parks continue to transform communities, strengthen local economies, and foster civic pride.

Cochran Studio is dedicated to using art as a tool for urban transformation, collaborating with municipalities, developers, cultural organizations, and communities to create public spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, inclusive, and reflect the values of the residents while enriching the lives of those who engage with them.

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