Individual Artist Project Grant

I see this project benefiting the community in two majors ways: (1) When discussing this project with a close friend who worked in the publishing industry for decades, he told me, ?A place doesn't exist until someone writes about it.? As an artist, I am committed to capturing a story about Duluth in this particular moment. In 2019, a New York Times article named Duluth as a mecca for future climate migrants. This article opened up a conversation in Duluth about climate change that is evolving and ongoing. It's exciting to consider what so many interviews will reveal about the hopes and concerns residents have about the future of their city. Furthermore, I also believe (2) that any artistic endeavor should generate conversation and awareness. While the topic of climate change remains polarizing in some communities, it's not my intention to tell people what to believe. Rather, I aim to continue the conversation started by the 2019 New York Times article by adding depth to the claims made by that article and offer local perspective to what it means for a place to be considered a climate refuge. This project would give a diverse range of regional residents an opportunity to weigh in, share their thoughts, and have their voices and concerns considered, which will be demonstrated in the public event I proposed for May 2022. My goal is to accomplish what years of school, life experience, and practice have trained me to do, which is, write a book that I know deserves a chance to be in the world. This will be measured by: (1) Manuscript: A saved draft of 60,000-80,000 words by late spring 2022 (2) Interviews: At least 50 interviews conducted by January 2022 (3) Event: A successful public event attended by at least 40 people that creates community conversation around the topic of my project I have worked in various aspects of the publishing industry for over a decade. I understand how to create a book proposal and pitch a project like the one I'm undertaking. As an MFA student, I studied with award-winning authors who helped me make valuable connections, including the editor who has already expressed interest in this project. I also have experience working as a freelance writer, editor, and project manager for successful writing-based organizations where I used my background in marketing to expand their enrollment and profitability. I've historically shown my ability to keep other programs organized while working full-time and also pursuing my own writing projects. This grant would allow me to make this project my sole creative focus. Finally, I've conducted hundreds of interviews, from business case studies for a tech company to personal profiles for magazines Minnesota Bride, which gives me the skills necessary to show up prepared for any interview situation.Publication: I believe the story of Duluth and climate change will generate national interest as other cities consider their own future. Evidence of this would be book reviews and interviews, as well as speaking opportunities. Feedback: Every writer needs a good reader and editor. I will look to my network of peers to assess the quality of my manuscript and how it fits into the publishing market. New Opportunities: I believe success is an accumulation of hard work, and every project reveals a new opportunity. By the end of this book, I know the conversations I've had will lead me to new projects and opportunities for community engagement.