Adams State University Community Partnerships’ Mary Hoffman was selected by the National Arts Strategies (NAS) as one of 50 change makers to build projects that will lead to stronger, healthier communities. NAS received nearly 200 applications from 34 states and 7 different countries. "We were amazed by the drive and passion of the applicants and we know they are going to play a part in changing this world" said Sunny Widmann, NAS Director.
Each Fellow enters the program with a project that uses arts and culture to design solutions to community problems. NAS provides the tools, training and access to a community of support to help Fellows drive their projects forward. The program curriculum is led by experts and world-renowned thought leaders in social innovation, design thinking, strategy and community development.
Through Hoffman’s leadership, ASU Community Partnerships has been involved in utilizing art for economic development, education and community organizing activities. Examples of these activities include, "Art Behind Bars" project where Alamosa inmates learned from a local artist how art transforms lives; Community art exhibit series, where local artists displayed and had opportunities to sell their art work on ASU campus; SLV Museum mural project that depicts the Valley’s rich heritage and natural beauty, and the "Everything Twine" program that challenged craftspeople to transform discarded plastic farm twine into functional or decorative objects to sell online.
Fellows also gain access to and help create a powerful network in which ideas and opportunities flow freely. This network is a powerful one and through it NAS hopes to create ripples that will spur connection throughout the field and promote sustainability.
This community of change-makers, combined with Fellows from the first cohort, creates a powerful network in which ideas and opportunities flow freely. The inaugural fellowship class demonstrated how the collective wisdom of Fellows, mentors, faculty and communities fuels each project and creates a global dialogue about the ways in which culture can restore and animate communities.
This program is the result of the collaboration and support of The Kresge Foundation, University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice and The Center for Social Impact Strategy, ArtPlace America and RocketHub.
