Higher Ground: Staging Solutions in Harlan County

By AV's Intern Team | December 10, 2013 |

By Rachel Ellen Simon The old adage holds that it takes a village to raise a child. But in Harlan County, Ky., the community has come together to raise more than that, including: theater sets, awareness and, ultimately, spirits. A series of participatory community theater projects, “Higher Ground” involves upwards of 100 Harlan County locals…

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Ada Smith: Giving Voice to Appalachia

By Kimber Ray | December 9, 2013 |

By Kimber Ray Amidst the economic and social upheaval sweeping through Appalachia, art and media may seem like unexpected tools for approaching the challenges the region faces today. However, through her work with Appalshop — a media and cultural center in Whitesburg, Ky.— Ada Smith has witnessed how creating and sharing stories can empower communities.…

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