Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Post

Quote of the Day: In a statement, CNZ remarks the For The Arts funding programmes have "an emphasis on vision and purpose, valuing artists’ time, supporting longer-term development and building relationships with artists and organisations outside of funding." New Zealand is leading the way on re-imagining arts funding. It’s just brilliant—and a model that the NEA and other arts granting organizations should adopt! https://lnkd.in/gu6qAH7x

Before we finish our “Meet Addy” display, we want to share a “Looking Back” with you all – just like in the original historical character books! Thank you to our very own assistant researcher, Leah Jenkins, for her hard work! ___ Looking Back: The Underground Railroad and Freedom By: Leah Jenkins, Assistant Researcher The Underground Railroad was a symbolic title for the secret network of houses, paths, and people that assisted fleeing enslaved in obtaining freedom outside of slave states. The system comprised of roads, trails, rivers, canals, bays and the Atlantic Coast, stretched as far north as Canada and as south as Mexico and the Caribbean. Beginning in the late eighteenth century, conductors – such as formerly enslaved individuals and white abolitionists – assisted freedom seekers or “passengers” in navigating the convoluted and treacherous routes. The most notable conductor was Harriet Tubman. A former enslaved individual herself, Tubman used her expertise in the railroad to aid dozens. Outside of the perilous environmental circumstances, conductors and passengers dodged federal marshals, slave catchers and plantations. Despite liberation, freedom came with its own hardships. Newly emancipated African Americans endured racial discrimination, job competition and indentured servitude. The Underground Railroad lost steam on January 1, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Declaration, announcing that “all people held as slaves are, and henceforth shall be free.” It is estimated that nearly 100,000 people escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad from 1810 to 1850. Learn more today: https://lnkd.in/gh4_w3Tb

As a student of the profession, I know it's important for #highereducation leaders to reflect on the uncomfortable histories of our institutions and education in this country in general. Whose voices were left out, lives stolen, land "granted"... to form our beloved universities and colleges today? What can we do, in our current powers and time, to be anti-racist in our work? How can we continue to change the #structures, so higher education can live up to its full potential? We must start with an #awareness of the past and of the wrong-doings our communities. #Georgetown272

Let the spirit of CarmelFest stay with you all year, honoring the intent behind our independence. Read this week's Civility Column in The Current here: https://bit.ly/4bI6j3i

“Culture should provide not just expensive spectacle but ways in which anyone can express themselves and their dreams”. Could not agree more! Culture should be about empowering everyone to express themselves and chase their dreams, not just glittery, expensive spectacles. This is where academia, particularly universities specialists in the creative arts, can play a fundamental role. By fostering partnerships and developing platforms for staff, students and community engagement, these institutions can become hubs for multi-dimensional knowledge transfer. Imagine students and community members coming together to create, learn, dream and share! This, at its core, is a powerful pedagogical approach to creative education and knowledge exchange. It has the potential to profoundly impact individuals, objects, and cultural phenomena itself! #ucagalleriessurrey #curatorialandculture #culture #creativeeducation #publicengagemnet

The arts are an unstoppable force. Learn more about how we’re strengthening cities through the power of the arts in our Annual Report. https://bloom.bg/3vMlbhM

September is Month of the Artist in Alberta, and we're proud to be part of a province that recognizes and celebrates the immense value artists bring, not only culturally but also economically. According to a recent article from the Alberta Foundation of the Arts, supported by a survey conducted by the Alberta Government: 👉 In 2022-23, an impressive 70.3% of Albertans attended arts and culture activities, showcasing a strong appetite for artistic experiences within our communities. 👉 Even more inspiring, 54% actively participated in arts activities, demonstrating the deep passion that our residents have for the arts. But it doesn't stop there. The survey also reveals that an overwhelming 76.3% of Albertans believe that arts and culture activities make their community a better place to live. These numbers speak volumes about the impact of the arts on our communities. We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and uplift our city, and we invite you to join us in supporting our youth. Supporting the arts is not just about culture; it's an investment in the heart and soul of our community. Let's connect, collaborate, and continue to create positive change together. 💪 Read the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/gsYGA9q3 #YouthSingers #ArtsInCalgary #CommunityImpact #InvestInArts #InvestInYouth #YouthSingersofCalgary

Check out this gorgeous article from the The New York Times

This recent research draws together the work of St Hild, Urban Life and the Black Light course to explore the cultivation of lifestyles and ministries which promote mutuality, diversity and partnership among Black and White Christians. Read more at https://lnkd.in/ebDw-8Wf

What I don't understand is why the people in power undervalue the Arts. There are so many ways in which we benefit as a society, as a community, as an individual from access to the Arts. The Arts are a tool. Use them to mend what is broken, Use them to inspire when hope has gone. Use them to regenerate. Use them to soothe. Use them to make us laugh. Use them to Educate. Use them to communicate. Use them to prevent violence. Use them to fight prejudice. Use them for health. Use them to cause us to question ourselves. And others. Use them to be analytical. Use them to find new creative solutions. The Arts could benefit everyone. I am sure you could add to this list.