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Making Exact Change
How U.S. arts-based programs have made a significant and sustained impact on their communities
By William Cleveland
Part Two: Case Studies
Case Studies
The ten case studies that follow are a representative sample selected from more than 100 suggestions made in response to our solicitation of the field in the fall of 2004. The information included here came from surveys, interviews and published sources. Much of the data included are taken directly from material made available by the programs in the study. As such, these summaries are more descriptive than analytical.
Exact Change Study Sites
The mission listed for each site is quoted from each organization’s mission statement.
CityKids
New York, New York, est. 1985
Discipline(s): Multidisciplinary
Constituents: N.Y. Youth, young artists
Mission: To develop the leadership potential of youth by engaging them in an education and artistic development process that is grounded in the grassroots philosophy of Safe Space, Youth-to-Youth Communication, Multi-Cultural Bridge-Building and Leadership Development
Grassroots Art and Community Effort (GRACE)
Hardwick, Vermont, est. 1975
Discipline(s): Visual Arts
Constituents: Seniors in Vermont
Mission: To discover, develop and promote visual art produced primarily, but not exclusively, by elderly self-taught artists in rural Vermont
Isangmahal Arts Kollective
Seattle, Washington, est. 1994
Discipline(s): Spoken word, music, dance
Constituents: Seattle Filipino community, Filipino artists
Mission: Creating and maintaining avenues for our voices to express and analyze the problems of life lived by Filipinos and Asians
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, est. 1968
Discipline(s): Craft, music, digital graphics
Constituents: Pittsburgh youth, veterans, single mothers, unemployed, artists
Mission: A multidiscipline, minority-directed center for arts and learning that employs the visual and performing arts to foster a sense of accomplishment and hope in the urban community
Mural Arts Program
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, est. 1984
Discipline(s): Mural Arts
Constituents: Philadelphia community, youth
Mission: A public art program that works in partnership with community residents, grassroots organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, corporations and philanthropies to design and create murals of enduring value while actively engaging youth in the process
Northern Lakes Art Center
Amery, Wisconsin, est. 1987
Discipline(s): Multidisciplinary
Constituents: Amery and northern Wisconsin citizens
Mission: A comprehensive cultural center organized and designed to provide local residents with the opportunity to develop and share their creative talents and abilities with one another and with the general public
Swamp Gravy
Colquitt, Georgia, est. 1992
Discipline(s): Theater
Constituents: Colquitt community and visiting audiences
Mission: Community theater designed to break down the walls that are racial and socioeconomic boundaries to bring to life the stories that have helped shape our community
Village of Arts and Humanities
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, est. 1986
Discipline(s): Multidisciplinary
Constituents: Germantown community
Mission: To provide a wide variety of arts education programs, renovate abandoned properties, rebuild the environment, conduct experiential training, create jobs and celebrate our achievements together through festivals, theater, exhibitions and publications
Wing Luke Asian Museum
Seattle, Washington, est. 1990
Discipline(s): Multidisciplinary
Constituents: Seattle Asian community and beyond
Mission: To engage the Asian-Pacific-American community and the public in exploring issues related to the culture, art and history of Asian-Pacific Americans
Zuni-Appalachian Exchange & Collaboration
(A project of Appalshop)
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico; Whitesburg, Kentucky; est. 1984
Discipline(s): Multidisciplinary
Constituents: Citizens of Zuni Pueblo and Whitesburg
Mission: A 20-year exchange and collaboration between Roadside Theater and traditional Native American artists of Zuni Pueblo, N.M., to advance cultural tradition and build community in both locations
[Next: Case Study: CityKids] [Table of Contents]
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