WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Gunnison Arts Center
“When Annie from the Aspen Art Museum first walked in the Gunnison Arts Center, we honestly couldn’t believe such a large institution wanted us to be involved in their project. Being approached by such a large museum with such an incredible reputation was a shock and honor, and we agreed immediately. Carlie Kenton, our Executive Director, was the first to join RAC. When Carlie and Annie were planning Articulating Together, I was brought on board for my current art knowledge. We were knee deep in COVID planning and this event brought me onto RAC just as we all encountered the same obstacles. As a curator, I immediately found solace in the struggles of my fellow rural communities. We continued to meet, plan, and just talk about our struggles. We helped each other find solutions and collaborated in new innovative ways. I now have trusted personal relationships with arts professionals across Colorado that never would have existed without Rural Arts Connect.”
Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center
“The importance goes back to the circumstance of being rural, limited resources. Collaboration utilizes our resources to the fullest, one marketing campaign, one contract negotiation, one grant proposal. We are able to share our expertise to benefit each other.”
Chaffee Arts
“This has been my first experience running an arts organization. RAC allowed me to make connections with others in the art world to ask for help and work together on programs. I would never have had this opportunity without RAC. Most large arts organizations don’t even answer phone call requests, so these contacts I’ve made have been invaluable. I was even able to get Salida (not part of RAC) involved because of a collaborative program we are planning with Gunnison.”
NMHFM “We are in a rural community that doesn’t offer much educational or public programming. Thus, by being part of RAC and with the grant funds from IMLS, the NMHFM was able to fill a need that the public has been asking for. Some of those in attendance signed up together, but it was obvious to see the new connections that were made by those who hadn’t met previously. Additionally, the workshop also provided space for reflection, connection with nature, the community, and the NMHFM and Matchless Mine.”
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