What is Public Works?

Public Works serves as a useful umbrella term to bring together a varied group of course projects and research topics focused on engaging with diverse communities outside of academia. We expect innovative uses of technology, and enhanced opportunities for reflection on civic engagement and public scholarship to be key components of such projects. Through collaborative partnerships that take students and faculty beyond the classroom, Public Works will deepen our understanding of the challenges of building a more inclusive and civil society.

Although the Mellon Public Works Initiative did not launch its first round of grant-funded projects until December 2017, many Carleton faculty members completed public humanities and arts projects prior thanks to earlier initiatives and the support of Carleton staff and centers like the CCCE. A few examples, linked below, demonstrate the range of products and methods that can be used for such work.