Beta Verde

Apply Now

Beta Verde will engage an artist through the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts' Creative Catalyst Fellowship program for a seven-month community project. The Fellow will lead outreach to and coordination with neighborhoods and residents in Winston-Salem, NC, as well as local organizations whose work is focused on surrounding underserved communities. With a particular lens on where creative and/or culinary and entrepreneurial opportunities intersect, the fellow will craft a visual story to demonstrate the potential impact of Beta Verde’s placemaking initiatives based on the Southside of Winston-Salem, NC. 

The Fellow will have a flexible schedule and access to the many resources connected to Beta Verde, including designated work space and office amenities. On-site housing is available, if needed. Additional training, resources and opportunities may be offered in partnership with the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for Arts.

Beta Verde does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression or parents/guardians with children, and will prioritize applicants who identify as BIPOC and/or are bilingual (English/Spanish). 

SCOPE OF WORK

FOCUS ONE: Gather/Review Existing Data, Resources & Planning

• Work with Beta Verde staff and local organizations to coalesce existing resources/data related to economic opportunities and barriers for Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and adjacent counties, including but not limited to: urban/rural food access, transportation and housing. 
  
• Compile demographic data for the Southside of Winston-Salem 
  
• Identify and visually map/depict current and planned public/private projects (development, art, etc.) as they relate to location, placemaking, planning and connectivity to Beta Verde project(s).

FOCUS TWO: Community Outreach

• Outreach to and coordination with local organizations working with direct or intersecting causes/initiatives to de-silo efforts as well as share and learn about current priorities, recurring obstacles and upcoming efforts.
  
• Outreach to and coordination of conversations with surrounding neighborhoods/neighborhood associations and community residents via charrettes, virtual and in person roundtables, etc.

FOCUS THREE: Creative / Visual Presentation & Final Materials 

• Using the collected information and in collaboration with the Beta Verde team, the artist will create a visual presentation which could include maps, infographics, data visualizations, multimedia, etc. that highlight community vision, opportunities and benefits.
  
• Presentation may include public community events that showcase the presentation, but also include layers of other community performances with neighborhood youth and/or other residents/groups to show the inclusive and connective energy of the placemaking project in process and to come.
  

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Participate in and present findings during weekly team meetings.
  
• Participate in and assist in coordination of special happenings related to community outreach and activation.
• Serve as a liaison for connecting/scheduling/etc. meetings, calls, tours, input sessions. 
  

Preferred Attributes, Skills + Experience

• Possesses an energizing and engaging personality, significant emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity; practices great empathy.
  
• Passion for investing in communities and neighborhoods with diverse stakeholders and participants.
  
• Ability to capture and share compelling stories through creative media; photography/film/design/fabrication skills are a big plus, but not required.
  
• Organizing and project management skills; ability to guide initiatives from concept through to application, including attention to administrative duties.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and self-motivation
  
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
  
• Ability to work within Google Drive programs
  
• Strong diversity, equity and inclusion lens with a firm commitment to anti-racism work and knowledge of accessibility issues.
  
• Community organizing, outreach or other communication experience.
  

About Beta Verde

Beta Verde is a multi-pronged creative collaborative with food at the core of its programming, from farmers markets to kitchen incubators to retreats to consulting. Beta Verde serves as a consultant to adaptive reuse placemaking projects in cities across the nation. For many larger projects whose food components include shared use kitchens, market concepts or agricultural ventures, Beta Verde is a tool for connecting strong, local partners with related visions.

Our name, Beta Verde, comes from a pun on the beta version and is nimble enough to ebb, flow and embrace the scope of our evolving project portfolio. Over the years, we’ve shared space with creators of all types, collaborated with local and international organizations, and opened our doors for culinary, artistic, familial and entrepreneurial ventures, activities and retreats. We’re determined to remain responsive to and discover creative solutions for the real needs and challenges that surface in our communities.

About Creative Catalyst Fellowships

Creative Catalyst Fellowships, in partnership with the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNC School of the Arts, are highly competitive, paid fellowships that advance artist leadership through skill-building, mentoring, and community of practice; strengthen creative community networks to better address regional gaps; foster systemic approaches to increase access, inclusion and equity; and embrace participation and exchange across the creative sector. Creative Catalyst Fellows will also gain access to educational and community-building opportunities.

Application