For the Common Good: Community Artist Interviews

May Day Hey Day, Reliable Street, Ames, Iowa. 2019.

My official day-job title is Community Arts Specialist for Iowa State University. I’ve always hated that title, as I don’t feel much like a specialist. I don’t have a degree in arts administration or in community development. Most of what I know comes from just being in the weeds (trying something, screwing up, trying something different), and from learning from my fellow artists who work with communities.

I’m kind of a fan girl with many of these folks. I’ve tracked down artists at conferences, convinced them - over and over- to speak to my classes, and find weird ways to rope them into projects. You are witness to my latest attempt.

For the Common Good

Among other things, The What’s Good Project is a platform of sorts for people, organizations, and communities to share and celebrate their wisdom and insights. In that spirit, I’m beginning For the Common Good, a new series of community artist interviews. Each month, you’ll learn how and why these artists work in communities, how their creative practice informs their lives, and tips for communities to better collaborate with artists. 

What’s a Community Artist?

Excellent question. I personally define a community artist as an artist whose primary or secondary goal is to build and strengthen community relationships through their creative or art practice. They engage with and serve the community in which they are working.

Bask in the wisdom of some of Iowa’s best community artists and art leaders here.

Who should I know? Comment below or email me at jennifer@whatsgoodproject.com.