“I think that the cultural characteristics of a place is what connects people to it. When you love a place, you will behave differently and do things that you wouldn’t do if you didn’t love it. I think all of the visual, structural art on the [Atlanta] BeltLine contributes to the sense of space and our collective character, like what we see ourselves as. I think when we lay down joyful shared memories together in a place, it’s a blessing on that place. Beautiful things happen here.” — Chantelle Rytter

The Atlanta BeltLine is a series of pedestrian and bike-friendly trails built on the city’s defunct rail lines that will eventually run roughly 22 miles, touching about 45 adjacent neighborhoods on the city’s east, south, and west sides. Its purpose? To give the city’s residents a way to connect in a deeper way with their community and with each other, particularly through the BeltLine’s arts and culture program. Read more about how this urban redevelopment has changed the city and its numerous communities for the better in the new issue of American Artscape.