Artists Communities at Work: Lessons Learned

The shining heart of the residency was silence and solitude; the opportunity to wrestle with visions and fasten them to the page, to face myself, reflected in a window opening into wildness. For me, this time was a turning point in a lifetime of writing. In the midst of struggling with the perpetual self-doubts and uneven leaps forward of every artist’s life, I came to a place of clear certainty about the power and trustworthiness of what I do.

— Aurora Levins Morales

“[Artists’ communities] will succeed in this new century not by battling against the old dichotomy of isolation vs. obligation, but by being citizens of the world, leaders in the next great crusade for the arts.” -- Michael Wilkerson, consultant and writer for Artists’ Communities at Work: Lessons Learned

The first in the “Lessons Learned” series addresses three critical issues in the field of artists’ communities: Fund Development, Building Community Within, and Community Engagement/Outreach. The report includes case studies of six artists’ communities, detailing the programs, fundraising ideas, and creative environments that have enabled them to thrive. In addition, the report gives a detailed and thought-provoking analysis of a membership-wide survey on community engagement -- the challenges and opportunities it presents, and a vision for the future.

Published by the Alliance of Artists Communities (2003); softcover, 49 pages

Member price: $20, plus shipping and handling

Non-member price: $25, plus shipping and handling

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