Provocative Perspectives Series At 1619 Flux
Capital is needed to create a community where people and place thrive. Various forms of capital must be put into play to reach this goal. Financial capital is usually the primary form, but just as important are intellectual, human, and social capital. The Community Foundation of Louisville strives to connect donors, nonprofits and civic partners to engage all forms of capital to create a vibrant community.
Robert Putman, a noted political scientist and author of Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, viewed social capital as connections between individuals. Mr. Putnam believes, “School performance, public health, crime rates, clinical depression, tax compliance, philanthropy, race relations, community development… even simple human happiness – all are demonstrably affected by how (and whether) we connect with our family and friends and neighbors and co-workers.” The Community Foundation of Louisville is partnering with 1619 Flux Art + Activism to foster social capital in the Louisville Metro Area.
Susan Barry, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Louisville said, “We are often looking for nonprofit partners who are making a difference in areas that can advance our community. Instead of committing resources to the development of new programs, sometimes we find greater value in supporting successful existing initiatives. 1619 Flux has a demonstrated record of bringing people together in a safe space to tackle difficult issues. With this grant, we hope to elevate these conversations.”
1619 Flux Art + Activism has spent the past year using art to promote discussions around important community issues through their Connecting Conversations series. Connecting Conversations provided a safe space for people to come together to talk about the revitalization of neighborhoods inspired by the exhibit titled Neighborhood Revitalization and the Creative Flow. Thanks to financial support from the Community Foundation of Louisville, 1619 Flux will expand their efforts through the Provocative Perspectives series, an 11-month series of facilitated conversations between diverse neighbors representing all of Louisville’s ZIP codes.
“The 1619 Flux team is excited to partner with Community Foundation for the Provocative Perspectives series, allowing us to expand our successful model for hosting community conversations. Diverse people joining together with open minds to discuss vital issues impacting our entire community, such as poverty and violence, could not be a more timely endeavor,” said Kara Nichols, founder and Executive Director of 1619 Flux Art + Activism.
Provocative Perspectives will be held monthly on the third Wednesday starting at 5:30PM. Conversations will be held in the contemporary 1619 Flux Gallery (1619 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202). Each evening a local provocateur will provide insights, data and reflections around a curated theme to inspire facilitated small group conversations. The first Provocative Perspectives scheduled originally for March 21 had to be rescheduled for April 4 due to the snow. The theme for the evening will be, “What about Communication? Perspectives on the importance of talking and listening across the 9th Street Divide.”
All are invited to attend these free events. Food and drink will be provided.