BRATTLEBORO — In a town marked by its dedication to artistic expression, one organization is working to ensure that the opportunity to create art is available to all Brattleboro residents.
Brattleboro musician Jackson Emmer, with the support of the Brattleboro Boys and Girls Club, Westgate Housing Community, and the Vermont Jazz Center, is looking for backers for his new Free is Art program, which intends to provide free artistic and musical training to underprivileged area residents.
Emmer, who is originally from Palo Alto, Calif., moved to Brattleboro after graduating from Bennington College in 2009. For the past five years, he has been developing a “Musical Encouragement Project,” which, according to his website, is intended to inspire people to find their own musical talent.
In addition to partnering with local businesses, Emmer has begun soliciting donations with an online Kickstarter.com page. Kickstarter is an online service that allows donors to pledge money and receive rewards based on their level of donation.
For example, backers that pledge $51-100 will receive free albums and artwork from Free is Art instructors for a year, have their name placed on a “Wall of Gratitude,” and will be offered a platter of hand-baked goods from a local baker.
As of early this week, the Kickstarter page has received total pledges of $1,572 out of the $5,000 goal, from 41 backers and with 17 days remaining.
On his Kickstarter page, Emmer said “I live in an artistically rich community. However, even with the incredible amount of arts resources available nearby, some people are still falling through the cracks. The schism between the those who have money to engage with the arts, and those who do not, is getting deeper all the time. Simple twists like this are enough to divide a community, neighborhood, city or town.”
Emmer told The Commons that he is still a long way from his annual fundraising goal. However, what he called “an incredible web of people, rom various backgrounds, are offering their support - providing lessons, classes, and volunteer hours.”
If community members are unable to pledge money, Emmer said they are encouraged to donate musical instruments and art supplies, or to volunteer their time as instructors.
Most importantly, Emmer is still looking for a place in downtown Brattleboro in which activities and lessons can be held, and is hoping someone will offer or share an available space.
Emmer also believes that the program would be beneficial to the town as well as the underprivileged individuals it would reach out to.
“Every community has a need for more art-makers, critical thinkers, and resourceful minds,” he said. “This program seems like a good way to generate more of that in our town.”
The program is scheduled to begin on July 15, and Emmer urges anybody interested in becoming involved to contact him as soon as possible.
“I want to inspire as many people as possible to be, and feel, resourceful and creative,” said Emmer.