Main Content
Our Vision
The emergence of more vibrant and enterprising communities through the generation of greater value for the arts and creativity.
Our Mission
To create a culture and sense of place that values creativity of all expressions and sustains artists and communities. To provide education, resources, and support to elevate artistic careers and organizations throughout Appalachia.
Creativity helps
humanity thrive
What if more of us developed our creativity? And then we applied that creativity to everything we do. What new ventures would be started? What revolutionary ideas would emerge?
The world would be different. And not just for artists and people in the art world, but for all of us.
It sounds so simple. And yet, so much of our society is broken into silos, dividing those who are “creative” and those who aren’t.
The AIR Institute Story
Appalachian creative economies network
Participating States
ARC Designated States
AIR is helping seven states grow one of Appalachia’s most under-appreciated assets— its rich history and culture of making and creating.
Click on the interactive map to learn more about each individual state or follow the link below to learn more about the whole network.
COMMUNITY PROJECT STORY
Join the movement
We’re on a mission to raise the value of arts and culture in every community. We believe that our human, creative, nature is what can solve our ills – if we can get folks together to collaborate and create together.
We’ve got a plan and a process that you can use in your community to help bring together the artists, creative types, makers, crafters AND the farmers, mechanics, accountants, lawyers, restaurant owners, outfitters, and retail store owners who are all trying to figure out how to thrive in the new economy and fast-paced world.
