Today we speak with Melissa, an arts administrator, who moved back to her rural hometown of after 13 years in Minneapolis Minnesota’s vibrant arts scene. Driven by a desire to give back to her community and a love for the tranquility of rural life, she discusses her work as Executive Director of Mainspring, a community arts organization that aims to make art accessible and foster connections. They explore the challenges of funding, misconceptions about art in rural areas, and the unique creative opportunities that arise from constraints. The two also touch on are the difficult conversations communities need to have and challenging one’s prejudices.
About Melissa: Rural community storytelling is at the heart of Melissa Wray’s creative practice, told through writing, textile art, and audio stories. Her roles include founding director of Mainspring – a nonprofit arts and cultural center in Caledonia, MN – and program director at the multidisciplinary rural arts organization Lanesboro Arts.
Find local arts: Springboard for the Arts, Arts Midwest
Explore the Driftless Region: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driftless_Area
Read what Melissa’s reading: Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Support the pod: https://ko-fi.com/3reate or https://patreon.com/3reate
