A Training Ground for Untrained Artists

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/20/magazine/a-training-ground-for-untrained-artists.html

Nathaniel Rich

The New York Times

16 December 2015

Text / Over 3000 Words

An Oakland nonprofit that uses art for therapy has a startling track record for helping developmentally disabled adults become prolific—and profitable—artists.

Helping Homeless Artists Turn Around Their Fortunes

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/business/smallbusiness/homeless-artists-gallery-artlifting.html?_r=1

Glenn Rifkin

The New York Times

17 February 2016

Text / 800-1500 Words

It's often difficult for the disadvantaged portion of the population to find meaningful and rewarding work. The start-up ArtLifting takes pieces created by homeless and disabled people, finds buyers and shares the proceeds with the artists.

How Seattle Made Dark Alleys Safer—By Throwing Parties In Them

http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/how-seattle-made-dark-alleys-safer-by-throwing-parties-20150826

Araz Hachadourian

Yes! Magazine

26 August 2015

Text / 800-1500 Words

Alleys in Seattle were once places of illicit, illegal, and unsanitary activity. The International Sustainability Institute in Seattle began organizing music and art events to bring in people, which, in turn, cleaned-up the crime and garbage. As an urban development strategy, adjacent vacant storefronts re-opened for business and beautification could be seen in new gardens.

How to Build a Better Neighborhood

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/18/how-to-build-a-better-neighborhood

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

18 June 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

The Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas suffered from recession-closed businesses and crime. Then community members used placemaking, in which people shaped their own environment to improve the quality of life, and the concept of Build a Better Block, which was a pop-up event showcasing art, food, music, and local faire. The idea gives citizens a fresh look at the possibilities through which to transform the space in which they live, and it has attracted attention across the country and around the world.

These Schools Are Refusing to Throw Out Arts Education in Favor of Test Prep

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/04/prioritizing-the-arts-over-test-prep/391505

Sara Neufeld

The Atlantic

27 April 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

With arts funding on the cutting board across the country, students can lack motivation to go to school and the creative resources for critical thinking skills. In Brooklyn, Ascend Learning is an inner-city network of public charter schools that offer a rich arts environment to teach Common Core and the student academic performance has surpassed other schools in the neighborhood.

As Detroit Flounders, Its Art Scene Flourishes

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/11/travel/as-detroit-flounders-its-art-scene-flourishes.html?_r=0

Courtney Balestier

The New York Times

6 August 2013

Text / 800-1500 Words

In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy because of a poor economy. While the city’s industrial businesses have floundered, the art scene has thrived, bringing in new sources of income through art galleries and investments in contemporary art. This new art scene is one factor to measure Detroit’s recovery and prospects of growth for the future.

Harnessing art to spur entrepreneurship in Live6

http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/art-entrepreneurship-live6-010617.aspx

Terryn Hall

Model D

6 January 2017

Multi-Media / 800-1500 Words

The Live6 area is home to a robust cultural and creative community. And with an increase in development, there's opportunity for artists and institutions to tap into that energy to spur growth.

After the Nepal Earthquake, Weaving Brings Wealth

https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/06/02/after-the-nepal-earthquake-weaving-brings-wealth

Liza Ramrayka

News Deeply

2 June 2017

Text / 800-1500 Words

After Nepal's 2015 earthquake, many village women were left in financial devastation and struggled to support their families. The earthquake destroyed up to 90% of small enterprises and markets, so the United Nations Development Programme trained women how to weave. As a mode of recovery, the weaving industry has helped rebuild the economic and social structures through the Panchakanya group.

The Viking club where men fight their demons

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/magazine-41585132/the-viking-therapy-club-where-men-fight-their-demons

Dougal Shaw

BBC

10 October 2017

Broadcast TV News / 5-15 Minutes

As the family unit in Western society is increasingly fractured, many suffering from stress, anger, and trauma often must find to alternative ways to build community and find belonging. One unique example is the Viking Festival in Wolin, Poland. More than just an event, the coordinated battles and revival of craftsmanship have allowed many to channel aggression and frustration in a constructive manner, and even helped some to rebuild their lives.

Viking Therapy?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csv3ht

Dougal Shaw

BBC

10 October 2017

Radio / Over 15 Minutes

An annual festival in Poland brings together men with a passion for recreating Viking culture and participate in competitive battles. By allowing for extreme physical expression—within the limits of safety laws and an honor system—these recreations have been psychologically beneficial both for victims and perpetrators of violence. The festival participants form strong relationship among each other creating a sense of belonging and responsibility to a group.