Danceable Data: Artist and Educator Kayatta

Kayatta, a rapper, poet, and educator, is a key figure in the North Bay's hip-hop scene, celebrated for her innovative work blending art, community engagement, and social impact. In collaboration with Kimzin Creative and the Petaluma River Park Foundation, Kayatta led poetry workshops to gather community insights for designing a new park, using participants' creative expressions to inform the architects' plans.

This project exemplifies a shift from traditional data collection to a model that prioritizes community voices, relationships, and meaningful engagement. Kayatta synthesized the workshops into a powerful hip-hop anthem, "Feels Like," highlighting themes of safety, inclusivity, and belonging. Despite challenges, her artistic vision and commitment to social change underscore the transformative potential of "Art as Data." Her efforts have garnered recognition, influencing future community-centered approaches to development and redefining what it means to be a successful artist.