Author: Bonham, Luke

Publication Year:

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Case study of the Americana Project, a creative music education program in Sisters Oregon, mixing Americana music, story telling, and songwriting. A study of social capital, inter-generational connection, asset-based community development, and rural community-building.

Abstract: In this work, I look at the success of place-making and community-building through arts-based community development. I analyze the work of one rural community development program called the Americana Project, which builds a stronger community through alternative music education in Sisters, Oregon, using songwriting and guitar playing. Here, community is built through relationships, place-making, pride in original work, collaboration, and creativity. In my investigation, I identified seven positive outcomes that other communities can learn from. First, students become part of the community. Second, the schools are used. Third, students feel good about themselves. Fourth, the history of America is valued. Fifth, students value what they are receiving. Sixth, people are allowed to dream. Lastly, everyone is involved and talents are used. I argue that music, as one of the strongest mediums for building social capital, can help build stronger communities. As students become part of the community, they are empowered as citizens. To properly evaluate community development programs, it is important to understand that, in many ways, the process is the outcome. Community-building through creative music education can facilitate asset-based solutions to larger problems in the world and can equip a new generation of creative leaders.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Volunteerism, Private Sector, Creative Workforce, Creative Economies, Arts Education