Contact Learning - CRAFT Model Pt. 1

During our time in Mart, our class is utilizing Knight and Schwarzman's (2006) CRAFT model to better understand the process of community-based art. The CRAFT model is based on 5 aspects:

1. CONTACT - cultivate trust, mutual understanding, and commitment as a foundation for your creative partnership
2. RESEARCH - gather information about the people, places, and issues you are working with
3. ACTION - Produce a new work of art that benefits the community
4. FEEDBACK - spark community reflection, dialogue, and organizing to spread the impact of the new work
5. TEACHING - pass on new community building skills to others to sustain the impact

At this point in the semester for the Mart Art Co-op, the necessity of the "contact" piece is most evident. During our trips to Mart, we have spent much time talking with Mart residents and building relationships. I have noticed almost a snowball effect when we talk with residents about the co-op. We mention what we are doing and they want to be a part of the project. They then tell us of others who might also be interested. Through these connections, I have come to realize the importance of this initial step in order to move forward and create a successful and sustainable product. I have also learned not to rush this process. Building trust and relationships will take time; however, the rest of the process will not work without these pieces.

During this phase of the model, we have also spent a lot of time learning about Mart, its residents, and basic information about art co-operatives. Our last co-op meeting centered on getting to know what the residents want out of the art co-op and how we, as students, can support their efforts. This mutual process of contact and learning is crucial for setting the groundwork for the rest of the pieces of the CRAFT model.