As the world evolves its perspectives on the role of art in human experience we begin to understand that design interventions, immersive art experiences, and community based art collectives are transforming our cities. Art is often acknowledged as an economic driver, or alternatively seen as reserved for the “elite”, but there is a new frontier where art and creativity emerges as a critical strategy in the tool kits and practices of new urban mechanics. This panel explores, describes, dives into how this works, when it works, how it challenges conventions of planning, and how, sometimes, it goes awry.