When historic buildings serve as both the inspiration for and the stage on which art and performance occur, the resulting site-specific works turn the attention back onto the site itself, creating a rich, deep understanding for viewers and participants. Such works can be powerful examples of creative placemaking, sitting as they do at the intersection of architecture, art, public engagement and cultural heritage. They can be catalysts for economic development or create resounding political statements. Such works can also influence policies on participation, planning and public access. This thesis examines a series of site-specific art events in historic spaces in Yangon, Myanmar, and Singapore, and the impact these works had on participatory planning, public policy and access to the commons. Using a case study model, the thesis contextualizes the critical issues faced by residents: access to public spaces in Yangon and housing and redevelopment in Singapore. It then explores how site-specific works, united around a single issue and set in similar building types, i.e., civic spaces and housing, were shown and performed in a relatively brief period, creating a critical mass that helped influence change.