This presentation from the Levitt Foundation—a national creative placemaking funder supporting the largest free outdoor music series in America—explores how volunteer-driven community action, strengthened through cross-sector partnerships with public health organizations, help grantee communities navigate change and ultimately improve health outcomes. Using several Levitt Music Series communities as case studies, the session highlights how volunteers from healthcare institutions activate public space in partnership with cultural programming, providing a connection with community members in a welcoming and joyous setting and building trust in local health providers—ultimately leading to healthier communities in times of uncertainty.
These case studies demonstrate how the Levitt model of free, outdoor concerts taking place in accessible public spaces—with ample opportunity for volunteering and cross-sector partnerships—connects community members and cultural programming with public health resources. Together, these case studies reflect how communities chart collaborative pathways, harness cultural energy, and ultimately make public health a more visible and attainable goal for community members.
