What a great day in Bristol!  Katie, our Executive Director, and Jocelyn Mathewes, one of our favorite collaborators, spent the day at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum helping a group of traditional artists and artisans learn about the basics of self-promotion. Jocelyn helped them take stock of what kinds of assets they already have, what they need to develop next, and how to deploy what they come up with. There was a lot of lively discussion, along with a lot of questions and answers—and a great measure of merriment and networking. One of the hallmarks of Jocelyn’s work is that she helps people see what’s possible and points them in a productive direction for DIY self-promotion. We were pleased to be chosen to create a custom professional development program for these regional treasures.

This program was part of Create Appalachia’s work as one of three anchor partners in the Bristol Roots Project, part of the Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Central Appalachian Living Traditions project. This project funnels grant funds to those who keep our Appalachian culture alive and thriving. This particular cohort of recipients is from the greater Bristol VA/TN area. CA is working with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Virginia Folklife to organize and administrate fellowships and professional development opportunities for eight tradition bearers (traditional artisans and artists), each of whom receives a cash stipend. It also supports five culture keepers (organizations or sites that support tradition bearers and promote Appalachian art and culture) with a stipend and access to professional development programs.

Showing their generosity and their hope that as many tradition bearers in the region as possible can benefit from this funding, Mid-Atlantic Arts allowed us to open the professional development session to all who applied for the grant rather than just restricting attendance to only those who were awarded. That’s why we had such a great crowd, with such a great exchange of ideas! Stay tuned for more news—the awarded fellows with be demonstrating as part of the 2026 Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol!