Arts-Based Community Development Stories

The arts make a difference to individuals and communities.  In our work with arts and cultural groups throughout the region we’ve heard many stories about the impacts that arts programs have a child, a teacher, a parent, a community leader…the list goes on. A story might make you laugh, might make you smile, might lift your spirits or might even bring a few tears to your eyes.  Research and statistics provide the hard facts that make the case about the impacts of arts and culture. But stories provide the soft facts that touch us all.

Below are selected stories from our region about how arts based community development is making a difference.
We would love to hear your stories about the impacts of arts and culture in your life and your community.
Tell your story!

Arts and Community in Kennett Square
By Dennis Melton, Architect & Community Activist

I have always believed that quality of life matters.  Not just on rare and special occasions, but each day.  Seeking quality of life, nourishes the senses and, as a result nourishes the soul.  The arts are an important source of this nourishment. So is the opportunity to live in community with others who are also seeking the fellowship of shared arts & cultural experiences.  I have also come to believe that communities which support the arts are enriched economically as well as culturally...continue

Creating a Mosaic in Media Borough
By Claire Brill, Community Artist

The greatest satisfaction of creating Handle With Care came when community members thrilled to the project. A worker from a nearby bank enthusiastically admired our progress when he came out for a smoke. After protesting for two weeks that he had no artistic talent and would only mess things up, he finally agreed to put on a couple tiles and walked off with a little swagger in his step...continue

The Living History Storytelling Project at Kennett Square Senior Center

By Jan Michener, Actor and Teacher