We are planners-designers who create cultural dialogues between neighborhoods' socio-economic histories and the personal values of those who live and work in these communities. Collaborating with local leaders, artists, artisans, designers, private interests, and nonprofits, each project recognizes and strengthens cultural, artistic, and aesthetic imprints of place. 

Art + Manufacturing Strengthening Place created new and distinct alliances among three small local manufacturing companies to whom we introduced and partnered artists, arts organizations, and area leadership in different regions of North Carolina : Siler City, Sanford, and Greenville.  Each city or town was selected because of its distinct trajectory, its small entrepreneurial manufacturing base, and the business owner's interest in exploring new workforce protocols. As noted in our final post to the ArtPlace community, the three businesses each reoriented themselves in ways that exceeded our expectations. For one year following the conclusion of the grant, we tracked the successes and deviations of each enterprise; thereafter, we remained available for counsel and support as each geographic team assumed responsibility for their future direction. 

Art-Force itself also realigned its staff although our focus is still community and neighborhood revitalization-redevelopment.  Art-Force is a catalyst that serves as jumper cables to ignite and illuminate what others cannot imagine.  We also regard ourselves as teachers, imparting new ways of thinking and working. One of several recent and current initiatives is The FOOD Project in East Wilson NC, the historically African-American neighborhood located literally on the other side of the tracks.