Drew Arrieta and Michele Anderson describe the "Art of Rural-Urban Solidarity"
Ellen talks with Minneapolis-based documentary photographer Drew Arrieta and Springboard for the Arts rural director Michele Anderson about the Art of Rural-Urban Solidarity project which used arts-based approaches to hold space for complexity and to foster dialogue, curiosity, and relationships across geographic and cultural differences.
Episode Highlights:
Episode Highlights:
03:28 Rural and Urban Identities
08:07 Creative Change Coalition
11:53 Crossing Lines Phone Booth
19:04 Joy and Social Infrastructure
26:18 Other Projects and Examples
32:49 Why Rural-Urban Solidarity Matters
Drew Arrieta is a documentary photographer and interdisciplinary visual artist based in Minneapolis, MN. Working across photography, textiles, installation, and collage, their practice explores themes of resilience, solidarity, and cultural memory. Drew creates work that is grounded in care and deep relationship, often shaped through collaboration and long-term community engagement. Their work has been featured in Vogue, NBC News, and at the Walker Art Center, and they have received support from the Jerome Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, and Magnum Foundation.
Michele Anderson is Senior Director of Rural Strategy & Partnerships at Springboard for the Arts, where she leads the organization's rural strategy and stewards programs that support artists, creative community development, and thriving rural communities. Based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, she leads Springboard's Rural Team and advances partnerships and advocacy that highlight the essential role artists and culture bearers play in shaping rural futures. Her work includes leadership of initiatives such as the Rural Regenerator Fellowship, the Rural Futures Summit, and the Falls Community Arts Exchange.
Questions, comments, want to get in touch? Email us at sidebyside@umn.edu.
Michele Anderson is Senior Director of Rural Strategy & Partnerships at Springboard for the Arts, where she leads the organization's rural strategy and stewards programs that support artists, creative community development, and thriving rural communities. Based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, she leads Springboard's Rural Team and advances partnerships and advocacy that highlight the essential role artists and culture bearers play in shaping rural futures. Her work includes leadership of initiatives such as the Rural Regenerator Fellowship, the Rural Futures Summit, and the Falls Community Arts Exchange.
Questions, comments, want to get in touch? Email us at sidebyside@umn.edu.
