Episode 161: Greg Wright - Placemaking & Public Art

Get to know Greg Wright.This podcast episode features Greg Wright, a placemaking consultant and former English teacher. The discussion spans a variety of topics, beginning with a lighthearted exchange about Wisconsin weather and personal approaches to its extremes. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to placemaking, which Wright defines as strengthening a community's sense of place through art and cultural amenities, especially in the digital age where physical location is less dictated by work. He emphasizes that placemaking is about intentional community investment to foster vibrancy, connection, and economic growth, particularly by supporting local businesses and artists. The conversation also delves into deeper societal issues, including the dehumanizing nature of modern politics, the importance of local government serving its people, and the critical need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—which Wright passionately advocates for—to counter biases and open doors for diverse talent. Throughout, Wright shares personal anecdotes from his teaching career and offers advice on embracing uncertainty and change in life and career paths, concluding with an invitation for Oshkosh residents to contribute their ideas to future placemaking projects that reflect the community's evolving identity and foster a sense of belonging for all.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email [email protected]: