RedLine is a proud partner and administrator of the Arts in Society grant. This collaborative program provides grants to both individuals and organizations that use art as a vehicle to promote social justice and community welfare. 

We love highlighting our Arts in Society (AiS) grant recipients and all the unique and impactful projects made possible by their grant.

We’re excited continue this series with the 2023 AiS Grantee: Western Colorado Writer’s Forum.

Learn all about their AiS project “See Me, Hear Me, Talk To Me,” and how it fosters a rich and diverse writing community on Colorado’s Western Slope by inviting participation from writers of various cultures, customs, and life experiences.

Tell us about your organization

In an era where social justice issues are at the forefront of public consciousness, the role of the arts in today’s culture has meaningful changes and this has never been more evident. 

Arts in Society grant events have emerged as powerful tools in the pursuit of social justice through artistic expression. These educational, fun, and enlightening events provide a platform for arts of all genres to be engaging. 

Community Connection Conversations were at times difficult but enlightening. Sessions were facilitated by professional counselors and social workers. Discussions were diverse, and topics included: The American Dream; Age/Ageism; Belonging; Hope; Fashion for Self-expression; and Storytelling workshop was facilitated by professional reporter experience.

After each session participants were guided through a powerful writing exercise by facilitators from the Writer’s Forum. This proved to be a powerful session with thoughtful prose. 

These events encourage artists to use their creativity to shed light on these topics, sparking important dialogues within communities.

Tell us about your first project that will utilize your AiS grant

Art Night took place two days after the Community Connection Conversations. During Art night, Joni Beckner, licensed art therapist, guided participants through evenings of mask making, collage, acrylic painting sessions, and group collage activities for the final session.

During the Storytelling workshop, participants effectively share their stories. This was a great session as it was taught by a professional local media award-winning reporter, Stina Sieg. 

All creations—arts, music, storytelling, and prose—were showcased during the art exhibition. Most all creations were proudly displayed in the Art Museum were hundreds of visitors attended opening night. All creations were featured on the Art Center website under a special virtual art exhibition.

We were able to display all arts—sculpture, paintings, collages, cut-art paper, prose, music, spoken word, and much more. Over forty artists on the western slope participated in the first virtual and in-person exhibition. 

What’s next in the pipeline for your organization? What other projects are you dreaming up for next year, and how will your AiS grant help to support these efforts?

We plan to continue the Community Connection Conversations and establish bi-monthly art nights at Space to Create. Each event has been very successful.

In addition, we have plans to showcase the New Generation Folkloric Mexican Youth Dancers at various community events that they were not apart in past years.  This artistic expression encourages self-reflection and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice issues. 

Art has a unique ability to stimulate conversations that might otherwise remain unspoken. These events encourage artists to use their creativity to shed light on these topics, sparking important dialogues within our community.  We have found ways to keep the connections going through bi-monthly events. 

Partnering with Downtown Association, Mesa County Libraries, Art Center, local art business, City of Grand Junction Parks & Rec, and youth organizations has been beneficial to all organization but building better connections. The synergic effect has been encouraging due to organizations combining efforts.

By investing in these voices, community events contribute to a more diverse and inclusive artistic landscape. Many artists use their work not just to raise awareness but also to drive tangible change.

Western Colorado Writer’s Forum is building bridges and making meaningful connections throughout the community. Art is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, making it an ideal medium for promoting solidarity and unity in the pursuit of social justice.

Arts in Society grant events often support projects that bring together diverse groups of people to collaborate on creative endeavors. These projects foster connections, break down barriers, and create a sense of truly inclusive community building.

By providing a platform for artists to engage with pressing social issues, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire action, these events are shaping a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society.

Collaboration is mostly advisable. I found when sharing the project with others they were ready to assist and had different ideas as well. The project created a synergistic effect which made the energy palpable.