Communities

Geoffrey Kershner, SMU DataArts -  A rural community may not necessarily receive the art it deserves, but it certainly gets the art it is collectively willing to work for. The majority of any given rural community must demonstrate a willingness to work towards arts vibrancy. Beyond artists and arts administrators, the community at large must actively engage and participate. This commitment is reflected in philanthropic contributions to the arts, volunteerism, engagement through participation as arts observers and arts participants, in-kind donations and services, prominent community figures joining arts boards, and constituents advocating for arts funding from local governments. While community wealth can be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for success. Every dollar matters, particularly in smaller communities where even modest investments can yield significant results in per capita arts spending... 

So, what motivates a community to take actions that advance the arts? While major markets have the advantage of extensive arts scenes due to a much larger number of constituents and funders, the key in smaller communities lies in garnering widespread community support. I've noticed that certain types of organizations are commonly found in smaller communities... I noticed that the unique stories of the arts entities in these communities mapped onto a familiar set of organizational types I have identified in my previous work. 

• The Center: In towns and small cities, The Center is a consolidation of resources and serves as an umbrella organization providing cultural infrastructure for the community.

• The Cultivator: Sometimes the catalyst for artistic output isn’t an artist or an arts organization but an economic development office or a community development corporation. 

• The Enclave: In picturesque and remote landscapes, The Enclave model sees professional artists creating a refuge and artistic home in small communities.

• The Educator: Geared toward youth development, The Educator model utilizes youth arts programs to impact community development.

• The Torchbearer: The Torchbearers work to preserve, celebrate, and activate the traditional art forms that weave the rich tapestry of our American identity. 

• The Facilitator: Private arts-focused foundations or arts councils established within communities serve as essential facilitators for arts activities, particularly in smaller locales with limited financial and human resources.  MORE