Activate Rural
Activate Rural supports physical gathering spaces, creative “third places,” and community development projects that bring people together and open up possibilities. Through cohort models, public workshops, and coaching sessions, Activate Rural works with creative entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, small business owners, and local governments to engage residents and strengthen local assets.
IGNITE RURAL
Artists are essential to thriving rural communities and economies. They are the motivators, organizers, and creative strategists who inspire community members to get curious and get involved. Rural artists need resources and networks of support to fuel their work. Through Ignite Rural, DoPT directly supports rural creative capacity to spark new connections and support emergent rural arts leaders.
THE YES! HOUSE
The YES! House is a multi-use creative community gathering space, located in Granite Falls, MN. It provides a hub for creative programming and a model for artist-led community development work. On-site programming includes community-informed event series, yoga and wellness classes, storytelling exchanges, artist residencies, tech education workshops for seniors, open mic nights, a community-built haunted house, and more!
BEYOND THE CLOCK!
Beyond the Clock is a podcast and virtual event series that nurtures fellowship, shared learning, and community care for rural connectors and cultural workers. This program elevates rural stories and builds a national network of rural changemakers. It is hosted by Department of Public Transformation and Voices for Rural Resilience, in partnership with the Rural Assembly.
River Valley Ripple Artist Residency
River Valley Ripple (RVR) is an artist residency program focused on uplifting and supporting artists in the 18-county Southwest Minnesota region with time, space, and resources to further develop and/or expand their artistic practice.