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Citizens' Institute on Rural Design 
Citizens’ Institute
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Enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of rural America through design
Committed to supporting rural America, the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) helps communities convert their own good ideas into reality.
Learn moreArchitect Jim Leggitt creates sketches for Valentine, NE's Main Street. Photo by Jenny Nixon.
Discussing design concepts during a workshop in Frederiksted, VI. Photo by Courtney Spearman.
What is the
Citizens’ Institute
on Rural Design?
The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council.
Focusing on communities with populations of 50,000 or less, CIRD empowers local citizens to use their unique artistic and cultural resources to guide local development and shape the future design of their communities.
Focusing on communities with populations of 50,000 or less, CIRD empowers local citizens to use their unique artistic and cultural resources to guide local development and shape the future design of their communities.
Learn more
Community members share ideas for Penobscot Avenue during the workshop in Millinocket, ME. Photo by Malorrie Ann Photography.
Cleanup activities along the Gallinas River following a workshop in Las Vegas, NM. Photo courtesy Hermits Peak Watershed Alliance.
Community members in Hidalgo County, TX. Photo by Omar Hakeem.
What we do
CIRD offers competitive funding to host multi-day, community design workshops guided by design, planning, and creative placemaking professionals as well as design-driven peer learning programs and events.
Design Learning Cohorts
Building a network of community leaders engaged in design, across rural America.
Learn more
Community members discuss their projects at the Design Learning Cohort Summit. Photo by Bella Green.
Touring and talking with local business owners in Thomas, WV, during the Design Learning Cohort Summit. Photo by Bella Green.
Ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Tuttle Rural Innovation Center (TRIC) in Tuttle, ND.
Migrant farm workers in Wasco, CA, discuss affordable housing and community design. Photo by Omar Hakeem.
Local Design Workshops
Supporting small towns and rural communities in addressing local design challenges.
Learn more
Mural painting in Laramie, WY. Photo courtesy Laramie Main Street.
Learn
Exchanging ideas, resources, and inspiration.
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Stay connected to the latest rural design news!
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The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council.
© 2021 The National Endowment for the Arts