As most difficult situations are multi-faceted, we should be weary of one-dimensional solutions.  That said, "Be the Missing Link" is a gradual proposal that is simple in concept and malleable to what it can solve according to how it's applied.  In short, we are a community as much as we participate.

Some participation needs planning to effectively fulfill our needs individually and collectively.  Looking at the walls of our city it is clear that there is perceived value in the aesthetics of architectural design and community planning... there is also a sign of participation that is not widely appreciated.  Graffiti.

In Alaine De Botton's book Status Anxiety he describes two types of love that humans crave; the intimate love between individuals and the love of "the public".  There, again, are several reasons that a person would have varying levels of either, but it is clear that graffiti artists are compelled towards the anonymous love of the public in the face of their disregard for others' property...

Now let's jump to the bigger picture of this public (our community) again, and our relationship with public art.  I feel like public art is regarded as an obligation, but that the one's in charge of determining what public art is presented (and even purchased), I feel like those people don't really have a planned vision of what public art can really do outside of an aesthetic addition as a symbol of progress or modernity that ultimately becomes de-valued because of it honest lack of content. 

Back to the graffiti artists... here is a segment of our community that are actively participating in the world around them, albeit they are disregarding the community, yet they desire the public.  This ambivalence should be capitalized upon by our community leaders.  *Leaders are most effective through encouragement rather than authoritative decree, by recognizing individuals for their contributions.

Now back to our community and it's relationship with public art.  I believe in the opportunity of using art "for people" (not necessarily BY the people in community) to communicate as well as generate an attitude of wellness that we can live within.  What are the constituants of that wellness?  Encouragement, respect, participation, accountability... these are values that any member of a community desires and I can only assume wishes for the rest of the community.

So, I'm attempting to build a case for the potential of a dialogue that embraces our local assets (graffiti artist/ rif-raff) that contribute negatively to our environmental psychology by perpetuating blighted appearances and publicly give them the opportunity to contribute in a way that is appreciated by encouragement and suggestion through opportunities that affect the collective understanding of our communtiy... what I mean is, let's give the graffiti artists an opportunity to change the way they view our community, by taking them seriously as artists (as they wish to be seen) and let their work be a positive contribution because it's recognized as communication rather than some esoteric public art.  (Does anybody really like big, red, metal sculptures?)