ARTS & CULTURE
Arts and culture is often valued for its ability to enrich lives. More tangibly, arts and culture supports local economic development, better health outcomes, and higher educational attainment.
about the arts & culture group
Central Appalachia enjoys rich artistic traditions in music, crafts, literature, and theater, among others. As many communities transition their workforce to meet community needs, arts and culture hold untapped potential to foster creative economies that create new jobs and rejuvenate underutilized buildings and downtown corridors. Research shows that creative places attract a range of industries and bring new life to downtowns because such places become attractive locations to live, work, and play.
The Arts & Culture Group (ACG) works together to support arts & culture-based approaches to economic development in Central Appalachia. The group focuses on three areas of interest that will comprise their work moving forward: creative placemaking, arts education, and cultural heritage.
next ARTS & CULTURE Group Meeting
May 21, 2024 from 2:00pm-3:00pm ET
This meeting recurs bi-monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 2:00pm.
AFN Members Only
Members
Group Co-Chairs:
Shannon Ford, TN Arts Commission
Tim Deaton, Appalachian Arts Alliance, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Garrett Blaize, Appalachian Community Fund
Ricky Draper, Appalachian Community Fund
Tiffany Pyette, Appalachian Community Fund
Davey King, Berea College Appalachian Fund
Candace Mullins, Berea College Appalachian Fund
Astrid Kaemmerling, Educational Foundation of America
Kathy King Allen, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Zack Hall, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Stephanie Hyre, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Sharon LaRue, Kentucky Foundation for Women
Group Participants:
Nina Clark, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Jayson Smart, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Ellie Dassler, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Brittney Huff, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Betsy Whaley, Mountain Association
Charles Phaneuf, South Arts
Susie Surkamer, South Arts
Joy Young, South Arts
Renee Margocee, Tamarack Foundation
Robby Moore, Tamarack Foundation
Kandi Workman, Tamarack Foundation
Joe Tolbert, Jr., Waymakers Collective
Eric Waggoner, WV Humanities Council