Appalachian Arts Collaborative

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"There is some support for the arts but we need more. i would love to see more WV art in state parks, visitor centers, and traveling exhibits throughout the state." - Tana McCraw, Sandyville, WV

Artist Support

Community

Economy

The Appalachian Arts Collaborative is deeply committed to supporting local artists and nurturing their talents. By investing in the creative community, we believe we can empower artists to flourish and make a lasting impact on West Virginia's cultural landscape. Our efforts in this area include:

Providing artists with opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions, performances, and events. This exposure helps them gain recognition and connect with potential patrons, collaborators, and mentors.
Offering financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, or stipends, which enables artists to pursue their creative passions without the burden of financial constraints.
Facilitating workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring programs where artists can hone their skills, learn from industry experts, and network with fellow creatives.
Creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration and resource-sharing among artists, fostering a sense of community and collective growth.

A thriving arts and culture scene has the power to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. The Appalachian Arts Collaborative is dedicated to engaging the local community in meaningful ways, including:

Organizing inclusive events and activities that cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the vibrant local arts scene. From gallery openings to music festivals and theater productions, we aim to create opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to come together and celebrate West Virginia's rich cultural heritage.
Encouraging community members to take an active role in shaping the arts landscape by providing platforms for feedback, collaboration, and co-creation. Through town hall meetings, open forums, and social media channels, we invite locals to share their ideas, opinions, and talents, helping to drive the direction and development of the Collaborative.
Partnering with local schools, libraries, and community centers to offer arts education programs and workshops. These initiatives aim to foster creativity, build skills, and inspire the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
Establishing volunteer opportunities for community members who wish to support the arts and contribute to the success of the Collaborative. By involving locals in various aspects of our projects and events, we create a sense of ownership and pride in the region's artistic achievements.

The Appalachian Arts Collaborative recognizes the significant role that arts and culture play in driving economic growth and revitalization. By supporting and promoting the local creative scene, we aim to contribute positively to West Virginia's economy in several ways:

Attracting tourism: A vibrant arts scene can draw visitors to the region, who will then spend money on accommodations, dining, transportation, and other local services. Showcasing the unique artistic and cultural experiences that West Virginia has to offer can boost the state's reputation as a must-visit destination, leading to increased tourism revenue.
Job creation: Supporting the arts can lead to the growth of creative industries and the generation of new jobs in fields such as performance, visual arts, design, and event management. This, in turn, can improve the overall economic health of the region by providing diverse employment opportunities for local residents.
Stimulating local businesses: Arts events and activities can create foot traffic and drive consumer spending in the surrounding area. Visitors attending exhibitions, performances, or workshops may also patronize nearby restaurants, shops, and other establishments, injecting money into the local economy.
Encouraging investment: A thriving arts community can make a region more attractive to potential investors and developers, who may be enticed by the cultural vitality and engaged local population. By demonstrating the economic value of the arts, the Appalachian Arts Collaborative can help secure funding and support for future projects and initiatives.

Appalachian Arts Collaborative (AAC)

Strengthening West Virginia's Art Community

We are grateful for the outpouring of support we have received for the Appalachian Arts Collaborative! With numerous letters of support from community members, artists, and prominent figures, we are excited to continue our journey in supporting the local arts scene.

Our Mission

Community Engagement

Help foster connections within the community, bringing people together through shared artistic experiences.

Economic Impact

Improve the local economy by attracting visitors, generating revenue, and creating jobs in the arts and culture sector.

Support Local Artists

Providing resources, opportunities, and exposure for local artists, helping them grow and succeed.

What’s New

We have successfully gathered strong support from the local community, and our project is gaining momentum. As we move forward, we’ll be focusing on the following:

Partnerships and collaborations with local institutions, organizations, and businesses to create a strong network of support for our initiative.
Establishing a calendar of events, workshops, and exhibitions to showcase local talent and foster community engagement.
Exploring funding opportunities and resources, such as grants and cooperative advertising programs, to ensure the sustainability and growth of our project.

Become A Volunteer:

"We need more opportunities for young and diverse creatives to share our stories in Appalachia and break stereotypes that surround it." - Kristin Fiorvanti, Charles Town, WV

Art Scene Disrupting the Market Through Inclusion