Lake Region Arts Council and West Central Initiative are happy to announce that the community of Hawley, Minnesota has been selected for its 2022-23 Artists on Main Street Program.
Over the course of one year, artists, creatives, culture bearers and makers in the Hawley area will be supported to lead small projects addressing downtown Hawley’s past, present and future, with the goal of gathering people and building relationships, creating a sense of pride and possibility, and attracting visitors into the downtown.
“The Lake Region Arts Council is pleased to support the City of Hawley as the first participant in our new Artists on Main Street Program. We were impressed with Hawley’s enthusiasm and strong level of community support, they seem to be a natural fit for the Artists on Main Street Program.”- Maxine Adams, Lake Region Arts Council, Executive Director.
During the program, Rethos and Springboard for the Arts staff will work closely with city leaders to develop arts-based approaches to community development, by providing training and technical assistance for local leaders, artists, and residents. Additionally, the City will receive project funding to support up to 10 small projects of $1000 each.
Lee Schwartz (Hawley Economic Development Committee Advisor) shares Hawley’s gratitude, “Hawley is excited for this generous gift to bring local artists together to create something new for our downtown. This is a unique opportunity for artists with
connections to Hawley to leave their legacy here forever. This project has the enthusiastic support of city leaders and the entire Hawley business community.”
The program will kick off on Saturday, March 11, in Hawley with a Creative Placemaking Workshop for artists, creatives, makers and culture bearers who live, work, or have a strong connection to the community of Hawley. The workshop is open to any person who considers themselves a “creative”, and who is interested in learning more about using art and creativity to build community, and to learn more about getting support to implement an Artists on Main Street project.
Registration for the workshop is available on Hawley’s city website at: https://hawley.govoffice.com/makehawleybeautiful
Creative Placemaking Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Hawley’s Historic Garrick Theater
The workshop is free for everyone and will be presented by Springboard’s Michele Anderson and Rethos’ Emily Kurash Casey. Participants will learn about how to plan impactful creative placemaking projects, generate ideas for projects through interactive activities, and meet local leaders who are interested in the role of art and creativity in enhancing downtown. Participants will also receive tips and guidelines for how to present their project ideas to the City.
“At Springboard, we believe in the importance of ‘Creative People Power’ to build healthy and resilient communities” said Michele Anderson, Rural Program Director at Springboard for the Arts. “This work often starts with meaning making and belonging, and it’s been incredible to see the positive shifts that happen in a community when artists are invited to create projects that address specific issues facing downtown. We’re excited to add Hawley to the growing list of communities who understand the impact the arts can make in a community.”
