Despite its growing arts scene, Rogers lacked a strategic framework to support cultural investment and guide future initiatives. Without a cohesive vision, opportunities for creative growth risked fragmentation, and local artists and organizations faced challenges in accessing resources and visibility. On a practical level, trucks, dumpsters, and deliveries dominated the downtown alleys in Rogers, blocking pedestrian access and limiting their potential as community spaces.

What if alleys could become the heart of downtown? WXY’s plan for Rogers, Arkansas, reimagines overlooked service zones as vibrant spaces for arts-driven placemaking and community connection. By transforming these alleyways, the design invites residents and visitors to experience a historic downtown revitalized with creativity and purpose.

The plan outlines a structured approach to cultural development, anchored in three key themes: community and character, economic vitality and quality of life, and the built environment. It introduces a set of pilot projects, policy recommendations, and programming strategies tailored to Rogers’ unique cultural identity. By addressing both short-term actions and long-term investments, the plan ensures that culture and the arts act as a driver of urban vitality. 

Developed through an extensive public engagement process, the plan reflects the voices of Rogers’ creative community. Stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and workshops with the Public Art Commission shaped its direction, while a broad public survey provided insights from residents. This participatory process ensured that the plan would not only serve policymakers but also empower artists, businesses, and community members. 

The Rogers Cultural Plan positions the city as a leader in arts-driven urban development. With a clear strategy in place, the city can now make informed decisions about cultural investment, fostering an environment where artists thrive, businesses benefit, and residents enjoy a richer public realm. As the plan unfolds, Rogers stands to become a model for how midsize cities can harness culture as a force for community and economic growth.