Waymaker's Collective
Empowering Appalachia's Creative Future Through Arts & Community
Learn more: https://www.waymakerscollective.org/
Appalachia’s resilience and adaptability shape a future that uplifts its people and environment.
We are the Waymakers Collective, a dynamic network of grantmakers rooted in the heart of Appalachia — from the hollers to the cities. We champion artists, visionaries, and cultural leaders who build bridges, preserve traditions, and drive new creative movements.
Our approach challenges conventional philanthropy, ensuring that resources reach those long overlooked and undervalued. We embrace the strength of community, the power of collective action, and the responsibility to cultivate a more just and sustainable future.
Waymakers Collective is dedicated to transforming the flow of funding to reflect the values of tolerance, sustainability, and lasting cultural impact. Our decisions on how funds are held and distributed are designed to move away from extractive models, reinforcing a system that invests in long-term creative and economic empowerment.
VISION:
We are committed to cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem that sustains artistic expression, economic vitality, and meaningful dialogue across communities and disciplines. Our vision for Appalachia fosters creativity, innovation, and lasting cultural impact.
We invest in community-driven organizations and leaders shaping Appalachia’s creative and cultural future. Our funding supports emerging and established voices whose work transforms communities, enriches traditions, and drives new artistic possibilities.
The future of Creative Placemaking in Appalachia is rooted in the strength of its traditions, its artists' vision, and its communities' resilience. Recognizing the unique realities of our region, we are committed to aligning artistic expression, cultural vibrancy, and lasting impact.
For us, this means investing in artists and cultural initiatives that drive innovation, preserve heritage, and strengthen community bonds. It means championing communities built on sustainability, creativity, and opportunity.Creative Placemaking in Appalachia is, above all, a commitment to nurturing spaces of renewal, inspiration, and collective progress.