If Augusta still values a central organization that supports artists, administers public funding, coordinates public art, produces a major cultural festival and helps connect organizations across the sector, then that role needs to be clearly defined, appropriately funded and accountable.
Read MoreOver the past few weeks, this event has been shaped by real conversations. People have shared what they love about live music, what they miss, what they need, what makes them feel safe, what makes them feel overlooked, and what makes them want to show up.
Read MoreToo often, organizations collect names without building relationships. We create mailing lists, volunteer rosters, event registrations, and survey responses, but rarely ask how someone’s connection to the work might deepen.
Read MoreIf you have ever said, “Schools need to…” or “Why doesn’t somebody…?” this may be a good place to begin.
Read MoreZoning determines much more than where houses, businesses and industries can be built. It can also determine whether a family can sell what it grows, whether a neighborhood can establish a community garden, whether a small agricultural enterprise can operate, where farm stands are permitted, and what kinds of agricultural activity remain possible as Augusta continues to develop.
Read MoreLand suitable for agriculture competes with housing and commercial development. Small and specialty producers need markets. Agritourism businesses need visibility. Beginning farmers need affordable access to land. Residents want opportunities to grow food closer to home. And economic-development decisions can permanently change what land will be available to the next generation.
Read MoreOur local farming community has tried for several years to build stronger relationships with FFA programs and agriculture students in Richmond County. We've had mixed results. Enter Chante Luckie and Hagler U.
Read MoreThis project requires different parts of our community to bring different assets to the same table: an arts organization brings knowledge of artists and public-art processes; an environmental institution brings place, science and educational purpose; funding partners make investment possible; an artist translates those ideas into a physical experience; and ultimately, visitors give the space meaning through their use of it.
Read MoreWe often talk about the food system as though farmers grow the food, stores sell it and families buy it. In reality, there is an entire civic infrastructure underneath that exchange: federal policy, state administration, land access, conservation programs, financing, research, transportation, nutrition assistance and local markets.
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