Department of Public Transformation (DoPT) is excited to share the Activate Rural Atlas — a new collection of stories, tools, and resources designed to guide and inspire those creating vibrant community spaces in rural towns.
The Atlas builds on lessons learned through Activate Rural, a DoPT program that supports artists, small business owners, and local leaders reimagining “third places” — public gathering spaces that foster connection and creativity.
Through the Learning Lab, Workshop Series, and Coaching Sessions, Activate Rural helps rural activators navigate challenges like building ownership, funding, and capacity, while sharing practical frameworks for artist-led community engagement and transparency.
The Atlas highlights five real-world activation journeys from across Minnesota, offering inspiration and concrete examples for anyone transforming a space into a place of belonging.
Explore the Atlas, learn from these stories, and chart your own creative path toward a more connected rural future.
To access the Activate Rural Atlas, please enter your name and email address below. DoPT will never share your email address with any outside organization.