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SEIZING OPPORTUNIES |
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Art-based placemakers must be opportunistic in the best sense of the world. If their projects are to be successful, they must be nimble enough to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, even if it means a shift in mission focus. At the same time, they must be sufficiently directed to turn away from funding that will lead them too far afield and dilute their original purpose. |
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Many Forum presentations revealed how different the places are from the original visions of their founders. Project Row Houses set out to devote itself to the gallery houses and related art installations, but took advantage of available funding and community interest to dedicate five houses to their original purpose of housing. Single mothers live there for a limited time with programs to support their education and parenting. PRH has also expanded its original mission to include artist housing, after-school art classes, and more recently the El Dorado Ballroom which is creating a new venue based upon the musical history of the area. |
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Village of Arts and Humanities began building one sculpture park and then expanded to build several more. With new funds, programming expanded to include building renovation for housing, for after-school art programs and for performance space. Village has even teamed with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to build new affordable housing in their neighborhood. Similarly, recognizing the need for greening of their community, they provide horticultural training for community residents in a nearby open space. |
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Similar stories could be told about almost every featured project—WaterFire, Gallery 37, and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild have all expanded into areas unforeseen by their original mission. Funding opportunities or location opportunities may become available unexpectedly, and may require adjustments or development of new programs or direction. Growing organizations must find ways to remain open enough to leap at opportunities that arise, while relating those opportunities to their original values and mission. Always learning, observing and evaluating, successful projects must remain flexible enough to take advantage of opportunities that may be unexpected, while protecting the values of the project and remaining true to the spirit of the original mission. |
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OTHER TOPICS:
Art is Essential
Impacts
Measuring the Impacts
Sense of Place
Race and Diversity
Collaboration Helps
Seizing Opportunity
Art and Education
Challenges of Success
Leadership and Transition
Adapting the Models |
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