Alternate ROOTS sprang into being in order to meet the distinct needs of artists who work in and with communities, artists who work for social justice, and artists who create work by, for, about and within communities of place, tradition, affiliation, and spirit. Founded in 1976 at the Highlander Center in New Market, Tennessee, R.O.O.T.S. was originally an acronym for Regional Organization of Theaters South. The organization eventually added Alternate and dropped the acronym. ROOTS quickly established itself as a thought leader in the field of communitybased arts and the only regional collective of artists committed to social and economic justice. In response to the needs of the growing field of community-based arts, ROOTS evolved to a multidisciplinary member-based and artist-driven organization. Member artists develop programs and ROOTS provides resources for the needs of these socially conscious artists working in the Southeast. As a progressive arts organization, ROOTS is at the forefront of establishing model programs for regional cultural organizing in the US. ROOTS is an exemplary incubator for participatory democracy. Through the practice of our guiding principles - Equitable Partnership, Shared Power, Open Dialogue, Individual and Community Transformation, and an Aesthetic that embraces both beauty and justice - we continue to be a model program for regional organizing that is responsive to and reflective of the needs of this unique artistic community. A regional arts service organization with over 30 years of history, Alternate ROOTS is an invaluable national resource to artists, organizers and cultural workers. As a visible champion of activist artists, ROOTS is looked to for leadership, particularly in the Southern United States, where it provides its most direct services to its members. Alternate ROOTS provides the connective tissue for a distinct segment of the arts and culture field - artists who have a commitment to making work in, with, by, for and about their communities, and those whose cultural work strives for social justice. While this is a large sector in US arts and culture as many artists work in this way and share these aims, it is, for the most part, informally organized and collaborations are often the result of chance as much as choice. Alternate ROOTS is striving to increase those chances.
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From the Desk of the Director Friends, For the past 10 summers, I have gathered at camps throughout the South with members of my beloved artistic family to practice the ritual of regeneration. Year after year, I return to this particular place of spirit and tradition to discover new methods of strengthening my voice, renewing my energy, and developing the skills I need to return home and invigorate my community.
ROOTS Director Carlton Turner visits the White House in May 2009.
ROOTS is a retreat for some, a vacation for others, to even more a family reunion of kindred souls eager to try something new in the quest for change. At ROOTS the conversations are often challenging but the generosity brought to the space each year is unmatched. And this year is no different. Artists, organizers, and educators have once again trekked from far and not so far away places to gather together in the mountains of North Carolina to spend a week, or weekend, recharging themselves for the numerous challenges we face throughout the year. The economic meltdown and subsequent recovery efforts have forced both public and private sectors to recognize the similar challenges we all face in this 21st century global society. Creating art in concert with the needs of community is now being recognized as a valuable commodity, worthy of recognition. This was demonstrated by the historic invitation of more than 60 community arts practioners being invited to participate in a conversation at the White House on May 12, 2009. As we begin what will undoubtedly be a beautiful week, I challenge each of you to spend the next few days opening yourself up to the limitless possibilities of your imagination. Take time to reconnect with old friends, also take time to make new friends and lay the foundation for future collaborations. We are creative beings with the ability to solve the most complex problems; a trait the world needs now more than ever. It is truly a great time to be an artist. Carlton Turner, Director Alternate ROOTS
Registration. $300. Travel. $183. Membership. $65. Being in the right place at the right time. Priceless. Welcome to the 33rd Annual Meeting. A whole slew of people have been working for many months to get you here. There’ve been countless hours of conference calls, committee meetings, and subcommittee meetings. By my estimate, fully 60 people have directly contributed to your being here today. Our theme, Re-birth of a Nation, could not be more appropriate for this gathering . Just as our society is undergoing great change, so is ROOTS giving re-birth to itself as we adopt a new strategic plan, re-envision our governance and staff structure, and re-organize the Annual Meeting in many different ways. So what we have here, is a grand experiment. The people have spoken, through documentation, evaluation, and reflection, over the past several years, and we’re trying hard to implement many new ideas that were introduced or honed through that process in order to maximize the Annual Meeting experience. Here are just a few of the conversation strands you’ll be witnessing, reaping the benefits from, and participating in: • an all-conference opportunity to engage in conversation about racism and how it affects our lives and this organization • the elimination of work-study and transitioning to an all-conference work co-op so that all participants can both contribute to the “behind the scenes” work and enjoy the benefits of being at the AM with more equitable distribution • reorganization of the schedule so that business happens in concentrated chunks and studios/open space/trainings happen together for the most amount of time we could squeeze out of a week • a strong emphasis on the first-year experience, particularly through the Hospitality Team • increased attention paid to our sustainable practices as a temporary community thanks to the Green Team • let’s not forget the forethought and planning by the Technology, Documentation/Evaluation, Youth, and Culinary Teams/Captains as well! • more pool time and a siesta every day! It’s been my great pleasure to work with the folks involved in this process to date, as well as to make the transition from being a ROOTS member to a staff person in a way that felt almost effortless—or, dare I say, priceless? And to see if this grand experiment works. Happy Re-birth Day, Y’all! Shannon M. Turner Manager of Programs and Services
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Greetings Annual Meeting Attendees, The Staff and Development Work Group, have been fast at work over the past three months crafting a development work plan, researching new funding opportunities, and launching the ROOTS 3.5 Campaign for the Future. Many of you have read about the ROOTS 3.5 campaign on the website but, just in case you have not heard about it yet, it is our campaign to establish a firm financial footing for ROOTS as we begin to plan for the 35th anniversary in 2011. This is the time to begin to think about what the organization should look like in the future, what kinds of programs and services might we need to support our members, and most importantly, what does it mean to be a durable, sustainable organization in an economy undergoing a structural rather than a cyclical shift? We want your input and best thinking to help re-imagine ROOTS thirtyfive years in the future. What would you like to see? With that in mind, strategically we are looking to grow and strengthen two streams of income for ROOTS, earned income and donations from individuals. Both of these offer us unrestricted income to be used as needed for operations. In this economy, this is the best kind of income to have, as we can respond to opportunities or threats as quickly as needed. If you have not made a contribution yet to the 3.5 Campaign for the Future, there is no time like the present to do so. You can easily make a donation online, or send a check to the office. Please be as generous as you can, every little bit helps. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any help, please call me at the office 404-577-1079, or reach out by email at keryl@alternateroots.org. Here’s to a fabulous Annual Meeting. Keryl McCord and the Development Work Group
important information
(you might want to know about what you’ve gotten yourself into‌)
The ROOTS Annual Meeting is a fun, challenging, and life-altering gathering for many people. Because this is an experiential event, it may be difficult to describe the Annual Meeting to someone who has not attended before. Below are some questions to answer som of the things that might come up if this is your first Annual Meeting. In case of an emergency, what do I do? If the incident is in fact a real emergency, please consider that 911 might be the fastest and safest first line of defense. After that, or perhaps instead of, here are some other helpful numbers: Shannon Turner, AM Coordinator, 540-552-3482 Carlton Turner, ROOTS Director, 601-473-6074 Lutheridge Guest Services (a staff member is always carrying that phone), 828-606-5684. Parkridge Hospital is the closest. 100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792, 828-684-8501. Mission Hospital is also nearby. 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, 828-213-1111 Who attends the Annual Meeting? Artists, cultural workers, educators, art supporters and activists/organizers, as well as many others from throughout the South, other parts of the US, and even some international friends, attend the Annual Meeting. Participants are people who want to meet and learn about the work of community-based artists making change happen. They are people who want to learn new methods of interacting with their communities; people who want to work towards the elimination of all forms of oppression; and people who are concerned about the/their environment. Who will be performing? Check out the Studios and Performances sections for a full line-up of who will be featured this year. In addition to a dynamic
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performance schedule, there are also informal opportunities for attendees to perform. Mini-performances are a regular feature of “Good Morning ROOTS,” business meetings, and late-night cabaret/open-mic sessions are open to anyone who has something to share. These performances are an integral part of a ROOTS gathering. Is there wireless access? How will I check my e-mail?!?!? Yes, there is wireless access in Efird Hall and in the Faith Center. If you do not have a computer there are plenty of folks who have laptops that are very generous and will let you borrow to check your email. AND we encourage you to be a lowtech as you can this week. It can be a lovely thing to step away from your computer for a week. Can I drink at the Annual Meeting? Yes. If you’re over 21. We like to let loose around here. We do, however, have a few things for you to keep in mind. Not everyone drinks or feels comfortable around drinking, either because of personal/health choices, religious convictions, or any other reason. Please be discreet about your alcohol consumption and do not push it on others. Additionally, not everyone at the AM is over 21. There will be alcohol-alternative events planned in the late evenings, which you can participate in, even if you just want to take a break from Late Night. Legally, we want to make sure that we look after each other – please don’t do something that would jeopardize the organization’s liability.
Pool Hours Tuesday 1 - 5 pm Wednesday 7 - 9 am 1 - 5 pm Thursday 7 - 9 am 10 - 12 pm 1 - 5 pm 7 - 10 pm Friday 7 - 9 am 1 - 5 pm Saturday 7 - 9 am 1 - 5 pm
tuesday, august 11 Time Event
Location
10:00 - 12:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting
Faith Center
RSC Planning Meeting 12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch
Lineberger Hall
3:00 - 4:00 pm Work Co-Op Team Captains Meeting
Efird Hall
4:00 - 5:00 pm ROOTS 101
Efird Hall
Youth Gathering / Orientation
Mission Hall
Work Co-Op Team Meetings
Various Locations
4:30 - 5:30 pm Technical / Critical Response Coordination Meeting
Faith Center
5:00 - 5:45 pm Opening Reception
Efird Hall
6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner
Lineberger Hall
7:30 - 10:00 pm Opening Night
Faith Center
10:30 - 11:30 pm Scholarship Orientation
Lineberger Hall
10:00 - until Late Night
Efird Hall
Registration is open from noon - 7 PM in Lineberger Hall
All-Conference Session: Creative program updates and evaluations; conducting organizational business, surveying the field; planning the future and clarifying our vision; voting in new members. All meeting attendees, no matter how new they are to the organization, are encouraged to participate.
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Schedule
wednesday, august 12 Time Event
Location
7:00 - 8:00 am Energize Your ROOTS - Laugh Yourself Fit with Faith Center Eleanor Brownfield 7:30 - 8:15 am Early Morning Pool Time 8:00 - 8:45 am Breakfast
Lineberger Hall
9:00 - 12:00 am Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Youth Team Building and Art Making 9:00 - 9:30 am Good Morning ROOTS 9:30 - 11:45 am All Conference Business Meeting 12:00 - 12:45 pm Lunch - Regional Caucus Picnic Lunches 1:00 - 1:45 pm
Carla Cottage Mission Hall Faith Center Faith Center Various Locations
Siesta
1:00 - 1:45 pm Energize Your ROOTS - Hip-hop Dance Break
Efird Hall
2:00 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
Youth Art Making Workshop
Mission Hall
2:00 - 2:30 pm Performance: Bob Kilby, Nick Marchese, & Tom Kilby
Faith Center
2:30 - 5:30 pm All Conference Business Meeting
Faith Center
6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner
Lineberger Hall
7:00 - 8:30 pm All Conference Business Meeting
Faith Center
7:30 - 9:30 pm Youth Village Film Series
Khonjoy Upstairs
8:45 - 10:30 pm Performances: Deborah J. Hunter, Bailey Barash, Jeff Mather, Saddi Khali, and RISE
Faith Center
Critical Response will happen immediately following evening performances. 10:15 - 10:45 pm Studio Leaders Evaluation Debrief
Faith Center Porch
11:00 pm - Until Late Night
Various Locations
Registration is open from 8:30 - 12:30 pm & 5:30 - 6:30 in Lineberger Hall.
Late Night: Based on an open mic or cabaret format, Late Night is an opportunity for you to get up and show some of your stuff. Totally casual and off-the-cuff, Late Night is a place where our night owls come together to share poetry, dance, skits, monologues, blog entries, whatever you want to show. Each evening has a host/hostess/hosting team and that’s who you would speak to about getting on the list.
thursday, august 13 Time Event
Location
7:00 - 8:00 am Energize Your ROOTS - TBA
Faith Center
8:00 - 8:45 am Breakfast
Lineberger Hall
8:45 - 9:00 am Good Morning ROOTS
Faith Center
9:00 - 12:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
Youth Team Building and Art Making
Mission Hall
9:00 - 11:45 pm All Conference Business Meeting
Faith Center
11:45 - 12:00 pm Performance: Clear Creek Festival
Faith Center
12:00 - 12:45 pm Lunch
Lineberger Hall
1:00 - 1:45 pm
Siesta
1:30 - 2:00 pm Energize Your ROOTS: Yoga with Leah Smith 2:00 - 5:45
Efird Hall (U)
STUDIOS (see listing)
2:00 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
2:00 - 6:00 pm Youth Art Making Workshop
Mission Hall
5:30 - 6:00 pm Performance: Loup Garou Artspot Productions, Inc. with Nick Slie
Chapel
6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner
Lineberger Hall
6:30 - 7:15 pm Artistic Assistance Exhibition
Faith Center
6:30 - 9:30 pm Safe Haven/Youth Village Camp Fire (12+) 7:30 - 10:00 pm Performances:
Faith Center
SpiritHouse, Inc., Montres Henderson, Liza Garza, Kia Mercedes Carcallen, Omari Fox Critical Response will happen immediately following evening performances. 11:00 pm - Until Late Night
Efird Hall
Registration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.
Critical Response: Annual Meetings give members the chance to perform their original work, see other members’ work, and to participate in the Critical Response Process (created by Liz Lerman); a powerful, but user-friendly technique designed to provide artists with critical feedback on works-in-progress.
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Schedule
friday, august 14 Time Event
Location
7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS - Laugh Yourself Fit with Eleanor Brownfield
Faith Center
7:30 - 8:15 Water Aerobics with Lisa Suarez
Pool
8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast
Lineberger Hall
9:00 - 9:30 Good Morning ROOTS - Open Space Kickoff
Faith Center
9:00 - 12:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Youth Team Building and Art Making
Carla Cottage Mission Hall
9:45-11:30 pm Open Space 11:40-12:00 pm Work Co-opTeam Meetings
Mission Hall
12:00-12:45 pm Lunch - Rhizome Caucus
Lineberger Hall
1:00-1:45 pm
Siesta
2:00-5:45 pm All Conference Session on Uprooting Racism
Faith Center
2:30 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
2:30 - 6:00 pm Youth Art Making Workshop
Mission Hall
6:00 - 6:30 pm Work Co-Op Team Captains Meeting
Lineberger Hall
6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner
Lineberger Hall
6:30 - 7:30 pm Welcome Block Party, Take 2
Courtyard
7:00 - 9:00 pm All Conference Session on Uprooting Racism
Faith Center
9:00 - 12:00 pm Youth Village/Safe Haven Teen Party 9:00 - 9:30 pm Performance:
Mission Hall Faith Center
GaBrilla Ballard Race Peace Mondo Bizarro/M.U.G.A.B.E.E 9:45 - 10:45 pm Race Breakout Groups / Story Circles
Various Locations
11:00 pm - Until Late Night
Efird Hall (U)
Registration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.
Open Space: A meeting technique that acknowledges your power to set your own agenda. Come prepared to share with one another. Studios, workshops, discussion sessions, and performances will all happen during time designated as Open Space.
saturday, august 15 Time Event
Location
7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS: Yoga with Leah Smith
Faith Center
8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast
Lineberger Hall
9:00 - 9:30 Good Morning ROOTS
Faith Center
9:00 - 12:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
Youth Village Art Making Workshops
Mission Hall
9:30 - 12:15 STUDIOS
Various Locations
12:00 - 1:15 Lunch
Lineberger Hall
1:00 - 1:45
Siesta
1:00 - 2:00 Energize Your ROOTS Hip-hop Dance Break
Efird Hall (upstrs)
2:00 - 6:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
Youth Art Making Workshop 2:00 - 3:15
Mission Hall
STUDIOS
5:30 - 6:00 Work Co-op Team Captains Meeting
Picnic Shelter
6:00 - 9:30 Dinner and Closing Ceremony
Picnic Shelter
10:30 - Until ?? Closing Night Jam Session featuring Mr. Nick
Various Locations
Registration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.
sunday, august 16 Time Event
Location
7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS
Faith Center
8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast
Lineberger Hall
9:00 -11:45 All Conference Closing Business Meeting
Faith Center
9:00 - 11:30 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5
Carla Cottage
9:00 - 12:00 Youth Village Project Completion / Clean up
Mission Hall
11:30 - 1:30 pm 12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch
Operation Cleansweep
Entire Camp Lineberger Hall
Everyone must be checked out of their rooms by 12:30 pm.
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Schedule Uprooting Racism Training Our time together on Friday will be devoted to addressing and uprooting racism. We’re very excited to be partnering with The People’s Institute on this endeavor. Please read more here about this organization: The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB), is a national and international collective of anti-racist, multicultural community organizers and educators dedicated to building an effective movement for social transformation. The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, affectionately known in the community as The People’s Institute, considers racism the primary barrier preventing communities from building effective coalitions and overcoming institutionalized oppression and inequities. Through Undoing Racism™/ Community Organizing Workshops, technical assistance and consultations, PISAB helps individuals, communities, organizations and institutions move beyond addressing the symptoms of racism to undoing the causes of racism so as to create a more just and equitable society. Founded in 1980 by long-time community organizers Ron Chisom of New Orleans, and Dr. Jim Dunn of Yellow Springs, Ohio, The People’s Institute has impacted the lives of nearly 130,000 people both nationally and internationally. In a 2002 Aspen Institute survey of eleven top racial justice organizations, five credited The People’s Institute with having the most effective anti-racist analysis. For more informaiton visit www.pisab.org.
Chip Epsten Ebony Golden Eleanor Brownfield Latonnya Wallace, Co-Chair Margo Miller, Co-Chair Mecca Burns Omari Fox, Concierge Emeritus
thanks
The membership and staff of Alternate ROOTS would like to extend a very special thanks to the Annual Meeting Work Group, who worked tirelessly for many months to help make this gathering happen. Through conference calls, time when there was not coordinator, through tough decisions, and fun ones, we thank you for your hard work. Pegah Rahmanian Priscilla Smith Shannon Turner Shannon Woolley, Work Co-op Captain Shon Sims, Concierge Trey Hartt
We’d also like to thank the Work Co-Op Team Captains for their hours of scheduling and preparation for this new way of doing things: Hilda Willis, Youth Pegah Rahmanian, Hospitality Robert “Bobby B” Martin, Green Team Hope Clark, Documentation/Evaluation Margo Miller, Technology Sheila Gaskins, Hospitality Mecca Burns, Hospitality Will Merwin, Culinary And a final note of thanks. We have been at Camp Lutheridge for five year’s now because they’re so good to work with and are such a lovely venue for us to do what we do. In particular, Matt Lohr (Lutheridge Staff), Neil Robinson (Kitchen), and Liza Anne (Lifeguard) are the people to high five when you meet them.
studios
Studios: Studios, also sometimes referred to as workshops, provide attendees to the Annual Meeting the opportunity to work closely with and/or learn from a particular artist or team of artists. In addition to artistic disciplines, studios often relate to a theme, such as arts-in-education, prison-industrial complex, community partnerships, etc. These workshops are professional development opportunities for attendees. Funding the Future: Practical Grantwriting and Fundraising Skills Eleanor Savage, Jerome Foundation, Minneapolis (TH) 2:00 - 3:45 pm Khonjoy (U) This session will involve a short focusing exercise and will cover the basics of how to search for grant opportunities, tips for writing a successful proposal, and fundraising strategies outside of grantwriting. Stiltacon Nana Projects, Baltimore (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Courtyard STILTACON brings art to a new level--several feet in the air! Learn to dance, march, spin and entertain yourself and others walking on sticks. Nana Projects studio provides professional training in single point stilt walking for beginner to advanced levels. Resist, Rebel, Rebuild Ebony Golden, North Carolina/New York (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Thornburg (D) This is a four-hour “green” intensive that explores the inter-relatedness of the “Go Green” and prision reform movements. The intensive utilizes only recycled and environmentally-friendly materials, as well as Augusto Boal and Anna Deavere Smith methods to create open dialogue about critical application of the “Go Green” movement to address the incalculable amount of people of color wasting away in United States prisons. ‘ Masks Sandra Hughes, Atlanta (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Efird Hall (U) Movement, masks, music, text and visual art combine in a workshop designed to explore and enact the dynamics of shared power through equal partnership. Masks are potent gateways to transformation able to create a synergy that opens doors to individual and collective possibilities. They reward with ever-growing realizations and connections to unforeseen choices and solutions. To create and perform in a mask with intention is to invite transformation.
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Studios Presenting Outside the Lines / Outside the Walls Hope Clark, Maryland Nick Slie, New Orleans (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Khonjoy (D) (SA) 2:00 - 5:00 pm Khonjoy (D) Are you a community festival presenter? Are you an artist presenting other artists? How about someone who has had presenting added to your portfolio of other responsibilities within your organization? Or perhaps you present artists independently? You’ve learned as you go, responding to your community, developing your own networks and pursuing a specific artistic vision. But you may not have had a support structure or professional training to make the most of your presenting efforts. This set of workshops will be taught by faculty member(s) who represent a great deal of knowledge and experience built up around “the accidental presenter.” Partnering Fundamentals D. Patton White, Atlanta Efird Hall (TH) 2:30 - 5:20 pm (SA) 9:30 - 12:15 pm Efird Hall In this studio, participants will utilize the fundamentals of western social dance to examine past artist/community partnership experiences, and to create a set of goals for future partnerships. Intended for both the seasoned dancer as well as the inexperienced movers. Singing in Community: Vocal Harmony and Improvisation Elise Witt, Pine Lake (TH) 2:30 - 5:30 pm Faith Center Learn more about your own voice, and build community through group singing. Expect elements of Theater, Dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Alexander Technique to combine with Vocal Exercises, Improvisation Games, and Songs from many cultures as we explore the rainbow of sounds of which our voices are capable, individually and as an Ensemble. Even people who think they “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” in no time find themselves part of a glorious choir. Music reading is not a prerequisite. How We Move: Celebrating Community Culture and MovementBuilding in the Face of Adversity Stephanie McKee, New Orleans Thornburg (D) (SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm This studio will draw upon experiences of staff members at the 7th Ward and Freret Neighborhood Centers in New Orleans to explore the challenges of communication and opportunities for transformation that arise in the context of community-based work for social justice. Within the workshop, Center staff members will present real case studies to exemplify the circumstances of their work, and will engage participants in a critical dialogue about strategies for moving forward.
Uprooting Racism (SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Faith Center (divider rm.) If you enjoy, or at least find yourself challenged by, the training we have on Friday, please join our trainers from the People’s Institute for a more intimate conversation around racism and the ways that it affects all our lives. Of, By, For, About and With: A Community Story Performance Primer Lisa Mount, Sautee Nacoochee, GA Khonjoy (D) (SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Stories from a place, performed by people from that place, have genuine power to transform both the place and its people. For three hours, we’ll explore what this performance genre is, how to do some of the community organizing it takes to implement a project, and what it’s like to experience these stories in hands-on way: by transforming transcripts into performance text. Lisa Mount has produced Headwaters, a community story performance, in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia for the last three years, and has worked with the genre’s primary playwright (and ROOTS founding member), Jo Carson, for more than twenty. The Future Is on the Table Jean-Marie Mauclet, Charleston, SC Khonjoy (U) (SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm This will be a case study focusing on visual artists using the gift exchange concept to generate/ stimulate/strengthen community. Technology for Technophobes and Technovisionaries Ana Willem, Atlanta, GA Faith Center (divider rm.) (SA) 2:00 - 3:15 pm Human systems and interactions are the starting point of any information technology worth it’s salt. While technological systems can seem intimidating, they exist to support us in our work. This workshop will serve both as a salve to the technologically autistic, and as a space for dreaming for the technological savant. Using the recent technology infrastructure upgrades to the ROOTS ecosystem as a model, this class will help you understand how you can use technology in your work, and how to participate in ROOTS technology in order to fully connect with the beautiful network that is Alternate ROOTS. Mining Your Personal History Barry Stoneking , Natchitoches, LA Faith Center (divider rm.) (SA) 3:30 - 5:00 pm “Mining Your Personal History” is a creative approach designed for artists working in the disciplines of dance, theatre and performance art or any combination thereof. It is an approach to creating work that is engaging to the viewer while illuminating a social, economic, cultural or political concern. It gives the artist-participant a methodology for creating work that integrates these interests into performance vehicles that are both cohesive and thoughtprovoking, allowing both the performer and the audience to experience humanity from an alternate point of view. The goal is to foster charismatic work imbued with social conscience.
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Studios Calling Up a Tsunami Shannon Gibney and Valerie Deus, Minneapolis Khonjoy (U) (SA) 2:00 - 4:00 pm This session will explore theories and strategies for engaging basic writing communities of color through critical literacy and arts activism. Boal & Bogart Marietta Hedges, Washington, D.C. Faith Center (SA) 2:00 - 4:00 pm This studio will explore a new training methodology combining elements of Boal’s body mask work and Ann Bogart’s Viewpoints. Merging Gesture, topography and tempo with body mask, participants explore the unexpressed desires and oppression of theatrical characters, and perhaps, themselves. We begin with ensemble exercises that foster collaboration, trust and respect and then move on to guided physical work aimed at giving corporal form and expression to subtext - what is not said in a play. A is for Action Spirithouse, Inc., Durham, NC Thornburg (D) (SA) 2:00 - 3:15 pm This workshop explores the role of the artist in the Prison Industrial Complex abolitionist movement. and provides strategied that help marginalized communities (Black, immigrant, queer, youth) (w)holistically transform conflict without the use of the police or prisons. Sharing Your Message, Building a Movement Nick Szuberla, Whitesburg, KY Efird Hall (U) (SA) 3:30 - 5:00 pm The Thousand Kites Studio will explore the intersection of storytelling and public policy change in the criminal justice system using new technology and web tools. Participants will have the chance to hear personal stories of incarceration and have the opportunity to share their own in an artistic process. Your participation will help design the national outreach of the new Thousand Kites online campaign.
There are several different programs and services offered to Alternate ROOTS members. These programs have been developed by the membership in response to the needs of the field of community-based artists. Through these programs, ROOTS has impacted over 1,500,000 people in the Southeast over the past 30 years.
programs
Annual Meeting (AM) The Annual Meeting is the cornerstone program for Alternate ROOTS. It is a 5-day gathering of artists, activists, educators, youth, organizers, and cultural workers – many of whom are ROOTS Board Members – that provides professional development, networking, peer review of artistic projects, and opportunities for making art. This is the annual business meeting of the Board of ROOTS and is open to the public.
“String Theory” AM 2008
Community/Artists Partnership Program (C/APP) C/APP is an annual grant that supports and promotes community-based residencies by providing resources of information, funds, and training to foster and support collaborations between artists and community-based organizations. ROOTS artists’ grassrootsorganizing methods are integral to C/APP projects and establish collaborations designed to give voice to community members, to empower individuals and communities who previously felt disenfranchised, to celebrate local and regional histories and culture, and/ or to build progressive change. Resources for Social Change (RSC) RSC is a training program of Alternate ROOTS devoted to teaching, sharing and exchanging ideas, methods and techniques for creating social change through the arts. The work that ROOTS member-artists do requires a commitment to forging equal partnerships with community members. Forging these equal partnerships demands a wide set of skills not usually taught in arts academies: deep RSC Learning Exchange listening; acceptance of differences; the ability to communicate across culture, race, gender, age, ability, and class; creativity and flexibility when faced with challenges; negotiation and conflict resolution skills; and the ability to share power equitably. Artistic Assistance Alternate ROOTS’ commitment to supporting the growth of individual artists extends to facilitating their evolution by providing funding for collaborations, workshops, travel and additional skill building endeavors. The Artistic Assistance Program bridges the fissure between grant sources and individual artists. Artistic Assistance gives small grants, which range from $250 - $1000, designed to provide both veteran and emerging artists with a
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source of critical funding to deepen and explore their creativity. Showcases and Festivals Festivals are designed to showcase the work of Alternate ROOTS members to a larger population of Southern citizenry, as well as foster a deeper relationship among, artists, presenters, educators, community activists and youth. Through festivals, Alternate ROOTS provides a forum for artists to expand their connection within Southern communities. Festivals also provide nontraditional and emerging presenters, who would otherwise make more “commercial” choices, an opportunity to bring professional community-based artists to their venues. State of the Nation Additionally, non-traditional organizations are enabled to Art & Performance Festival become presenters for the first time.
a word from the chair Re-birth of a Nation. Transformation. ROOTS is in the midst of a dynamic cycle of change. As the world is evolving, so are we. This is the year in which ROOTS is taking steps toward transformation, from infrastructure to organizing. Change can make us uncomfortable because we are walking in the midst of the unknown. However, as artists we are blessed with the curiosity and creativity to imagine new possibilities. We can shape the world – and birth beauty, equity, and justice. To be Re-born is to audaciously claim our boldness and brilliance as innovators in finding new ways to practice our art-making and how we engage within the communities we serve to reflect our values. Through business, art-making, art-sharing, and cooking together this week we have an opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world. Your participation is encouraged as we build the organization that serves the members. It is a thrill to imagine how we, as Artists, Lifelong Learners, and Creatives, will embody our principle of transformation and Re-birth Alternate ROOTS. Welcome to 33rd Annual Meeting. Ashley Sparks, Chair Alternate ROOTS
staff
Carlton Turner, Director Carlton has been a member of Alternate ROOTS since 2001 and has served as the Louisiana/Mississippi representative for one year. Carlton had the priviledge of visiting the White House twice this past spring to meet with the Obama administration on issues of Cultural Policy. Carlton is also artistic director and co-founder, along with his brother Maurice Turner, of the performing group M.U.G.A.B.E.E. (Men Under Guidance Acting Before Early Extinction) a group composed of two brothers performing a theatrical blend of jazz, hip-hop, spoken word poetry and soul music. M.U.G.A.B.E.E. is currently working with Mondo Bizarro, Roadside Theater, and Junebug Productions to create a new performance project on issues of race and racism in the United States. Keryl McCord, Resource Development Director A veteran arts management professional, stage manager, and director, her career now spans decades, and thousands of miles as she has lived and worked on both coasts, spending ten years in the Bay Area, working as Managing Director of Oakland Ensemble Theater, and serving as a board member for Theater Bay Area, the theater service organization for non-profit theater companies. A brief stint as Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theaters, led her to Washington, DC as Director of Theater Programs for the National Endowment for the Arts. Finally the call came to serve as Managing Director of Crossroads Theater Company in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was in NJ that she spent six years working with the African Grove Institute for the Arts, (AGIA) founded by the late August Wilson, Dr. Victor Walker, and Professor William Cook. Shannon Turner, Manager of Programs & Services Having lived in Blacksburg, VA for ten years, Shannon was wrapping up her MFA at Virginia Tech when the tragic shootings occurred there in 2007. She worked in the Blacksburg community for nearly a year following the tragedy to spearhead an organization called HERE: Honoring Experiences, Reflections, and Expressions. HERE’s goals were to facilitate ongoing artistic response and dialogue toward the community’s healing.
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Shannon worked for over a year as development director for Synchronicity Performance Group in Atlanta, GA before coming to ROOTS. She enjoys her residence in the Little 5 Points community, and along with her active membership in Alternate ROOTS since 2005, she serves on the Advisory Board for the Community Arts Network.
Ex Com: The “Executive Committee” of ROOTS is frequently referred to as the “Ex Com.” The Ex Com is comprised of elected representatives, a slate of officers, and the staff.
2008-09 Executive Committee Ashley Sparks, Chair Omari Fox, Vice-Chair Priscilla Smith, Treasurer Regional Representatives Florida Mike Anestor Louisiana/Mississippi Saddi Khali Melisa Cordona Stephanie McKee Nick Slie Alabama./Georgia/South Carolina Beth Heidelberg Shonderica Sims Valencia Goodwin Doris Davenport Latonnya Wallace Kentucky/North Carolina/Tennessee Jerita Wright Dan Brawley Lauren Fitzgerald Maryland/Virginia/W. Virginia/DC Sheila Gaskins Brandon DuMonde Texas/Arkansas S.T. Shimi Satellite Jamie Merwin Eleanor Savage
Florida Regional Representative Mike Anestor fundraising at the 2008 Annual Meeting
Youth Cecelia Johnson
An Alternate ROOTS Glossary of Terms ROOTS has a 30+ year history of creating and defining language. Here are a few things you might hear, though not all of these terms are ROOTS-specific: Letter of Intent (LOI): Often granting organizations, such as foundations, ask for an initial 2-3 page letter introducing the organization, the project idea, and briefly outlining what a full request for funds would go toward. If the funder likes the LOI, a full application will be recommended. Mini-performances: During “Good Morning ROOTS,” you will have the option of using up to 5 minutes to perform, talk about, or demonstrate in any way you see fit, just what it is you’re up to when you’re not attending meetings. Region: ROOTS has a 14 state service area, plus the District of Columbia. Our service area has been subdivided into regions, which are MD/VA/WV/DC, KY/TN/NC, GA/SC/AL, FL, LA/MS, TX/AK. Request for Proposals (RFP): When a funder is announcing a new round of grant opportunities, or has a project to announce, they will sometimes broadcast throughout the field what is known as an RFP. The RFP typically gives a brief introduction to the foundation, describes the funding program, outlines the timeline for due dates and announcements, has contact info, and occasionally features some frequently asked questions. Rhizome: Taken from a horticultural term that relates to plants that grow through their “root structure,” rhizomes are small groupings of ROOTS members and friends who convene and participate in ROOTS-related activities across the region. Rhizome events are generally coordinated through ROOTS Regional Representatives. A Rhizome is often a smaller grouping within a region, ex.: GA/AL/SC = Region, Charleston = Rhizome activity. Spontaneous performance/happenings/combustion: Also known as “gettin’ ROOT-y.” We occasionally burst out into song during the middle of a meal, create an impromptu performance on the way to the pool, or make a sculpture of tin cans. You don’t need permission to join this sort of thing – you just have to give yourself permission. Strategic Planning: This is the process of setting priorities and new directions for an organization. These priorities will serve as a road map for future programmatic decisions. Every 3-5 years ROOTS evaluates and sets new directions. This year we will be spending some time in an all-conference session in order to discuss and ratify our new strategic plan. All meeting attendees, no matter how new they are to the organization, are encouraged to participate.
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The 33rd Annual Meeting of Alternate ROOTS is made possible through support from the following:
Ford Foundation Nathan Cummings Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Institute of International Education Southern Arts Federation
Throughout the year Alternate ROOTS is supported by the following: Nathan Cummings Foundation The Ford Foundation Shubert Foundation Leveraging Investment in Community (LINC) National Endowment for the Arts Appalachian Community Fund McMaster Carr Bureau of Cultural Affairs Atlanta Fulton County Arts Council Georgia Council on the Arts Alice Lovelace Acoustics with Heat Productions, LLC Adrienne Clancy Alicia E. Murphy Geroge King Amelia Pickering Ann M. Kilkelly April Turner Arianne R King Comer ArtSpot Productions Ashley Sparks Bailey Barash Barbara Nesin Beverly Botsford Camille H Shafer Carlton Turner Carol Burch-Brown Carolyn R. Morris Caron Atlas Chip Epsten/Dagmar Epsten Chloe Anne Smith
Chris Doerflinger Christina A. Fischer Christopher O Fox Colgate F Holmes Elizabeth T Holmes Dana Lupton Daniela I. Lombardo Diane Williams - Rapheal Williams Dr. Doris Davenport Eleanor Brownfield Elise Witt Emanual Bailey Linda Parris Bailey Fast & French, Inc. Felicia D Furman Samuel Thompson Fund For Southern Communities Georgia Shares, Inc Gretchen S. Barbatisi Gwylene Gallimard Helen Beth Heidelberg
Isabel-Lee Malone Keith Hennessy Jaehn Clare Janelle Treibitz Jean Martinolich Jeff Mather Grace Mather Katherine Mather John Kramel Josephus Martin Judilee Reed Judith G Dewitt Judith Jennings Kathie E deNobriga Kent Klein Latonia Wallace Laura Schandelmeier Lekia Hall Linda Kesler Linda Parris-Bailey Lisa Mount Looking For Lilith Marie Cochran
Marquez D Rhyne Mary Luft Mary Monica Nolan Mathew Schwarzman; Miriam C. Zarsky Mike Anestor Mollie Lakin-Hayes M.U.G.A.B.E.E. Orisirisi African Folklore Inc. Pacific Trade Group, Inc Paul Andre Bonin Paula Larke Priscilla Smith The Voices Project Ramona Laroche Rebecca J. Williams Robert B. KIlby Robert M. Shifalo Rodger French Roscoe Reddix, Jr Sevananda Natural
Foods Shannon Turner Shannon Woolley Sheila A Kerrigan Joan M. Kerrigan Stephen J Becker Stephen T. Clapp Stevens Seaberg Tawnya PettifordWates The Conciliation Project The Mekye Center The Praxis Project, Inc Thomas C. Kilby Mary Monica Nolan Tom Kilby Toni B Shifalo Trina Fischer Verizon on behalf of Lekia Hall WZ Designs, LLC
The Annual Meeting Program was designed by Carlton Turner. Photos provided by Dan Brawley, Saddi Khali, Carlton Turner, and various members of The Conciliation Project. Cover art designed by Kai Porter.