Initiative Uses Arts As Foundation For Promoting Pride In Chester
By Steve Tawa
CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- An initiative called "Chester-Made" is harnessing creative juices in the City of Chester to promote arts and culture. A demonstration was presented this past week in Council Chambers at Chester City Hall.
A ten member team, the Chester Made Ensemble listened to folks, through a process called story gathering, in various neighborhoods, to help "change the narrative of Chester," according to member Don Newton.
"Chester needs to become a destination place, like it used to be."
(members chant 'get on the map, get back.')
Mayor John Linder was delighted to display a T-shirt with the Chester Made logo.
"We thank you so much, Chester-Made!'
Executive director Laurie Zierer of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council says they collected stories and surveys from artists, city workers, students, seniors, business owners and community leaders.
"What we heard again and again is that arts and culture is part of the very fabric of this community. You're not going to find it just in museums, you'll find it on the street, on the stoop, at festivals, and in churches."