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Captured and Converted: How Methane Powers Art in Western North Carolina

Jessica Bradley Wells

April 27, 2021 |

The Bitter Southerner |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dillsboro, North Carolina

Jackson County Green Energy Park uses methane leaking from a closed landfill to power blacksmithing and glassblowing studios. The county cleared 550 tons of loose debris and drilled thirteen 70-80-foot wells to capture the methane gas produced by bacteria digesting organic material, the 3rd leading human-caused type of greenhouse gas emissions. The studios, which offset the equivalent of taking nearly 1,000 vehicles off the road, also provide less expensive and more accessible studio spaces that have launched the careers of several artists. Reuse projects can capture up to 90% of a landfill’s methane.

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For People Who Experience Homelessness, Art Catalyzes Economic Mobility and Rewrites the Narrative

Claire Marie Porter

February 15, 2021 |

Next City |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Austin, Texas

Arts From The Streets gives artists living with homelessness a path to economic mobility and housing stability by offering ways to make and sell their art. An annual show can bring in $100,000 in sales, 95% of which goes to the artists. The organization provides studio space, online marketing, and other sales channels. It's one of three programs or communities serving artists who are houseless profiled in this story. The others are MudGirls, an Atlantic City ceramic arts studio, and the thriving arts culture in Los Angeles' Skid Row neighborhood, which focuses on personal growth more than income.

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Black Artists Find Ways to Make Their Voices Heard in Portland

Zachary Small

August 23, 2020 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Portland, Oregon

A burst of creativity is helping Portland confront its racist histories. From murals appearing on boarded-up buildings, protest art on exhibit at art centers, and artists gathering downtown to display their work depicting clashes between protestors and federal troops, new opportunities have been created for the city's Black artists. Community groups are also connecting artists with affordable housing resources and memorializing displaced Black communities using murals, photography, and oral histories. While a good start, more work is needed to bring about structural changes.

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A Portland foundation's infusion of talent and money helps set small Maine town back on its feet

Ernie Clark

June 21, 2020 |

Bangor Daily News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Monson, Maine

A Portland-based foundation has revitalized a small town in Maine with the establishment of an arts colony, reconstruction of old buildings in downtown, and a full health center - a rarity for small towns. A declining population and the shuttering of major businesses contributed to the decline of Monson. The Libra Foundation's philanthropic efforts have spurred enthusiasm within the town well known for being the last stop along the Appalachian Trail.

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An Atlanta Church and a Theater Nonprofit Find Sanctuary Together

Adina Solomon

January 29, 2020 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, College Park, Georgia

Collaborations can breathe new life into community churches. In College Park, Georgia, the College Park First United Methodist Church entered into a partnership with PushPush, a theater nonprofit formerly located in the metro Atlanta area. The partnership came about with the help of Good Spaces, a socially-minded real estate development organization.

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Arts Group Evaluates Five Years of Fair-Pay Certification

Zoe Sullivan

December 18, 2019 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Bringing labor organizing practices to the art world strengthens the fight for equitable pay. Working Artists and the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E.) provides certification to arts organizations that agree to minimum pay standards. Artists and organizations can use payment calculators on the W.A.G.E website and track fee requests. W.A.G.E also acts as a negotiator for artist services, sending fee requests to other institutions.

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Digital platforms help to save traditional Nepalese homes

Deepak Adhikari

December 15, 2019 |

Nikkei Asian Review |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Nepal, Kathmandu

A Nepalese company called Traditional Homes was formed in order to restore traditional Newari homes to prevent them from being demolished. The houses are by the indigenous Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley and boast beautiful latticed windows and courtyards. These small restoration projects have taken off thanks to websites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Not only does the money go directly to the locals supporting the new bed-and-breakfasts, but tourists also receive an authentic and homey experience.

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How to Build a Creative Ecology

Allison Meier

August 22, 2019 |

Reasons to be Cheerful |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Cultivating a sustainable art scene that allows creatives to make a living requires a delicate balance of various factors. Fellowships are vital for providing the time and space that artists need to develop their craft. Cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and even art fairs are also key for providing a platform through which artists can exhibit their work. Art buyers can also be supported through loan initiatives to spur investment, especially for buyers who support local artists. Lastly, creative placemaking merges art and culture with community planning to meet the specific needs of an area.

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This Website Empowers People in Need to Make Art — And Sell It for Thousands of Dollars

Monica Humphries

April 16, 2019 |

NationSwell |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

For individuals who are homeless or otherwise disadvantaged, art can be more than therapeutic—it can be lucrative. ArtLifting, a public benefit corporation started in Boston, MA, specializes in helping homeless and disabled artists sell their art. Business including Staples and Microsoft have bought art for their offices. ArtLifting splits the profits with artists and also funds art programs.

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Thomas, WV: The Town the Arts (Re) Built

Bryce Oates

April 16, 2019 |

The Daily Yonder |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Thomas, West Virginia

Renewing distressed economies can be done through reinvesting in arts and culture. By building successful partnerships with rural Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like the Woodlands Community Lenders (WCL), the town of Thomas, West Virginia, has found a new identity as a hub of arts and culture after the collapse of its coal-based economy.

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