By Samantha Feld, Designer at Simple Truth

Caledonia Curry, a Brooklyn-based artist commonly known as Swoon, led a team of artists in the Konbit Shelter project. Their goal: to build sturdy shelters and a community center in earthquake-ravaged Cormiers, Haiti.

This group of artists was interested in how the creative process might positively impact people in times of crisis. Using the Superadobe architectural style, these artists created earthquake-resistant structures that place value on beauty, creativity and craft.

The purpose of art has always been to engage people. When done right, this leads to transformed minds and communities.

Social practice art uses the power of an overt cause to create clear messaging. I’m seeing more and more of it, and I couldn’t be more excited. Here’s why.

The emergence of social practice art is a byproduct of our reliance on technology. Face-to-face interactions simply feel special now. Social practice art is a living and breathing medium that doesn’t end in a gallery, but transcends the gallery walls. Chicago artist Theaster Gates has turned urban renewal into an art form, transforming abandoned buildings into thriving public art spaces and cultural centers, strengthening the community from the inside out.

Social practice art is less about the individual and more about the collective good. People, not bank accounts, are changing for the better. And in its wake is an art world that is meant to be shared for the public good.

Social practice art empowers people to ask greater questions of themselves, their communities and their own personal impact. More artists are asking themselves, “What is the purpose of making art in our world today? What’s my role?

Some of the best conversations I’ve had started when I asked someone what part of what they do gives them the most joy and what impact they want their work to have.

This new art world is really all about moving from being an audience member to an engaged and active participant. Being an active creator requires a box of tools that go beyond the studio art practice.

By creating objects that change lives, the purpose of art has expanded to a new level of transformation and accountability. Social practice art is forging new relationships, building engagement and igniting change in our communities.