archi-treasures is a diverse group of artists, architects, and grassroot activists

Mission

archi-treasures is an arts-based community development organization reducing social isolation by creating grassroots partnerships to build public spaces, empowering individuals to shape their future and the future of their community.

History

Founded in 1996 by Neil Gaffney, an architect from Scotland, archi-treasures was largely formed by the work of architects and community development corporations around Chicago who recognized the urgent need for Chicago communities to organize, build capacity, and participate in the redevelopment of their neighborhoods.

Core Values

::	The skills and training of artists, architects, and designers can be mobilized for the benefit of communities in order to implement community ideas.
::	Useful, accessible, and attractive public space is critical to the process of successful community building.
::	Community ideas can be accessed through a participatory design process which is central to every archi-treasures project.
::	archi-treasures projects begin with identifying, activating and supplementing community assets and resources.
::	archi-treasures projects are developed in partnership with a strong community-based organization that can and will contribute resources to the project.
::	The step-by-step process of planning and making things brings people together.
::	All communities, even the poorest, should have critical input into how their environment looks, feels, and is used.
::	Everyone has something to contribute.