In a 2019 study, Karol Jan Borowiecki analyzed United States census data starting from 1850 to reveal socio-economic trends in creative occupations. One finding of Borowiecki’s study was that creative workers generally tend to come from families with a higher income and access to education (Borowiecki 10-11). What stuck with me most after reading Borowiecki’s study was a question of access: what is lost when creative expression becomes a privilege few of us can afford?
Spark Central wants to make this question a moot point. They offer free membership and access to a curated selection of creative activities and outlets. When you walk through their doors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Everything has its place, but where to begin? The library? The Maker Space? Poetry After Dark? Spark Central has options catered to many interests for adults and children alike.
One afternoon, my colleague Sarah Overholt and I decided to sit down with Spark and get the scoop. In our conversation with Leah Dawdy, Program Director at Spark Central, we learned plenty about the nonprofit, its activities, impact, and how the community can support its work. Passion and potential surround this wonderful organization. We hope that by sharing this piece, you’ll get inspired to engage in some ‘creative chaos’, too…
