MEDIA ADVISORY: MU Extension Officials Kick Off First Community Arts Pilot Project
January 29th, 2013
WHAT: Officials from University of Missouri Extension and the city of Lexington, Mo., will kick off the first MU Community Arts Pilot Project, in Lexington. The project, funded through MU Extension, is helping rural communities stimulate community and economic development and address social issues through community-wide art projects.
Communities selected for the program receive access to university resources such as campus art faculty and students.
WHO: Speakers at the kick-off ceremony will include:
- MU Deputy Chancellor Michael Middleton
- Provost Brian Foster
- MU Vice Provost for Extension Michael Ouart
- Representatives from the city of Lexington
- Director of MU Extension Community Arts Project Lee Ann Woolery
WHEN: 4 – 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29
WHERE: Groendyke Hall, Wentworth Military Academy and College
1880 Washington Ave.,
Lexington, Mo., 64067
NOTE: Lexington is the first community to be named in the pilot project. Eventually, the project will include other communities statewide. Every art discipline is considered in the Community Arts Pilot Project, including performing arts and theatre, visual arts, music, art education and art history, film, architecture, design, and new media.
Experts from Mizzou will work with local artists and community leaders to identify and engage in projects that would benefit the entire community. Some examples of projects include those that might develop heritage tourism focused on art, architecture, nature and local foods; create films describing a story of local origins; develop an arts incubator that support art entrepreneurship and collaboration with local businesses; organize a multi-day celebration of the arts focused on local talent; produce artist-in-residence programs; or build physical art venues.