E09 – Integrating Arts & Culture for Economic Success, with Ash Hanson

EDO Breakthrough

Ash Hanson is a rural arts advocate and in this episode, we discuss the four themes of rural community development: Activate, Connect, Nurture, and Support.

She also shares how arts & culture can intersect with economic development, how she creates opportunities for connection through her roles at DoPT and PlaceBase Productions, and her thoughts about #EroticCapital.

Key Takeaways:

• How Arts & Culture directly impact economic development
• Why viewing art as the “cherry on top” does a disservice to your community
• How to get your community activated (and excited) for what’s next

About the Guest:

Ash Hanson is the Creative Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), an artist-led nonprofit organization that works to develop creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. She is also the founder of PlaceBase Productions, a theater company that creates original, site-specific musicals celebrating small-town life. You can connect with Ash on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ash-hanson-a08172289).

Resources Mentioned:

• Department of Public Transformation website
• PlaceBase Productions on Facebook
• Beyond The Clock virtual happy hour

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.