Planting People Growing Justice Visits Washington, D.C.: A Creative Change Coalition Journey

The Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) team recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a transformative peer exchange through the Creative Change Coalition, hosted by Springboard for the Arts. This powerful experience connected us with two remarkable partners, Briya and Arts’tination, who are leading innovative efforts in arts-based community development and intergenerational learning.

Our delegation included Executive Director Dr. Artika R. Tyner, Creative Arts Director Lanell Lightfoot, and Cultural Bearer Reverend Carl Walker. Together, we explored new perspectives, fresh ideas, and models that will strengthen our mission to empower communities through literacy, leadership, and the arts.

Building a Creative Economy at Arts’tination

Our time at Arts’tination introduced us to a thriving creative economy rooted in social impact. This model is more than a gallery space. It is a mission-driven ecosystem where artists build careers, support one another, and serve the community through their craft.

We discussed the importance of building creative economies that allow artists to:

  • Earn sustainable income

  • Develop vocational skills

  • Contribute to community healing

  • Share their gifts through teaching, exhibitions, and public programming

Arts’tination shared inspiring examples of this work, including:

  • Mental Health Awareness Month programming

  • Artist residencies in local schools

  • Community-centered art activities

  • A cooperative gallery model run collaboratively by artists

Their core values mirror what we strive to build in Rondo: reciprocity, unity, and purpose. Artists support one another through mentorship and coaching, and the community benefits from accessible art experiences and opportunities to shop local.

Intergenerational Learning at Briya

At Briya, we witnessed the power of intergenerational learning in action. Parents and children learn side-by-side through the arts and humanities, strengthening literacy, creativity, and family connection. This model affirms that learning is most meaningful when multiple generations grow together.

We left inspired to bring similar strategies home to Minnesota. The lessons from Briya will directly inform:

  • Our intergenerational reading circles

  • Youth and family writing workshops

  • Community outreach

  • Curriculum development for our Leaders Are Readers program

This experience affirmed what we already believe: when families learn together, communities thrive.

Arts-Based Community Development: A Vision for Rondo

The peer exchange reaffirmed the vital role the arts play in community development. At Arts’tination, we saw how artists are integrated into a local ecosystem that supports economic vitality, cultural expression, and community connection. Their gallery welcomes residents for learning activities and creates a one-of-a-kind buy-local experience that keeps resources circulating within the community.

We are excited to explore how a similar model can enrich the Rondo community—one that uplifts local artists, promotes cultural heritage, and supports economic opportunity through creativity.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

This was PPGJLI’s first peer exchange experience, and it exceeded all expectations. We return home energized, deeply grateful, and ready to apply what we learned to expand our impact.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Creative Change Coalition, Springboard for the Arts, Arts’tination, and Briya for investing in our professional development and welcoming us into their communities. Their generosity, creativity, and leadership will continue to guide our work as we implement new ideas and strengthen long-term partnerships.

This learning journey marks the beginning of many new opportunities—for our team, our programs, and the communities we serve. Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and lead toward a more vibrant, equitable, and artistically empowered future.

Artika Tyner