We are a nonprofit organization that develops creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. We believe in the power of rural creativity in activating solutions to address community challenges and opportunities.
Activate Rural is a cohort-based peer network, workshop series, and resource hub which supports community leaders and artists in cultivating welcoming and creative physical places of connection in rural communities.
The YES! House is a creative community gathering space and evolving economic development concept. Through an artist-led design/build process, we are transforming a Main Street building into a multi-use facility.
Beyond the Clock is a podcast and virtual event series that nurtures fellowship, shared learning, and community care for rural connectors and cultural workers.
Through Ignite Rural, DoPT directly supports rural creative capacity to spark new connections and support emergent rural arts leaders and culture bearers.
The in-person Ignite Rural 2024–2025 Cohort Retreat was held at The YES! House in Granite Falls, MN on September 21st, 2024.
Gathering the 6 artists who made up the 2024–2025 cohort, the in-person retreat was meant to be a moment in the residency where the artists got to connect with each other and DoPT staff to deepen relationships beyond virtual meetings, and kicked off the 8 months of working together.
Click HERE to check out the Ignite Rural playlist on our YouTube channel!
The Activate Rural Learning Lab is a cohort-based peer network, workshop series, and resource hub which supports community leaders and artists in cultivating welcoming and creative physical places of connection in rural communities. Activate Rural’s artist-led asset activation framework, provides an accessible, replicable, and scalable approach to building design and development for those who have a passion and vision for working with their community. Learn more about Activate Rural by clicking HERE!
Click HERE to check out the Activate Rural playlist on our YouTube channel!
DoPT knows the value of collaboration; it is at the core of all we do. Every person who contributes to our mission—with their ideas, energy, enthusiasm, or financial support—becomes a collaborator of our organization. Thank you for your support!
