Creative Third Places, Rural-Style
What happens when an old storefront, grain elevator, or gas station becomes a place for people to gather, create, and connect? On the Small Town Big Arts podcast, Activate Rural Program Director Sarina Otaibi and Associate Director Courtney Bergey Swanson talk about the Activate Rural Learning Lab and what it takes to build lasting creative third places in rural communities.
The conversation explores the evolution of the Learning Lab, the 10 projects in its second cohort, and how Activate Rural funding has leveraged an average of $4.30 in additional funding for every dollar invested. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to transform underused spaces into vibrant community gathering places, even in towns of just a few hundred people.
Small Town/Big Arts was founded by Geoffrey Kershner, an arts leader with two decades of experience serving smaller communities and a passion for creating resources tailored to rural and small-population areas. His career includes leading the Academy Center of the Arts, founding Endstation Theatre Company, and serving in leadership roles with several arts organizations and initiatives.
