Resources

These resources have proven invaluable during this research journey. Please note that due to the rapidly changing digital landscape that while every attempt will be made to ensure content is available, there may be errors in links as time passes.

Springboard for the Arts: We're here to equip artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection.

Art of the Rural: Founded in 2010, we resource artists and culture bearers to build the field, change narratives, and bridge divides.

Creative Change Coalition: The Creative Change Coalition is a national coalition of place-based organizations that center people, creativity, and equity working together to create a stronger ecosystem for communities and artists.

Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan: We are a statewide, membership-based organization dedicated to ensuring cultural leaders have the tools necessary to provide services of the highest quality.

Department of Public Transformation: We are a nonprofit organization that develops creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. We believe in the power of rural creativity in activating solutions to address community challenges and opportunities.

Citizens Institute on Rural Design: The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council. Focusing on communities with populations of 50,000 or less, CIRD’s goal is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of rural America through planning, design, and creative placemaking. Defunded in early 2025 due to Trump administrative cuts. While inactive, this site still provides toolkits, videos, and resources useful to ongoing rural research.