What is the Air Program?
The Air Program is a tool for community problem-solving, employing a process that brings together often disparate groups to identify community problems and collaboratively create small-scale solutions using assets the community already has.
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) partners with The Air Collaborative. Together, we help you host inclusive community conversations and find solutions that grow your creative economy and strengthen communities.
The Engage Workshop
Hosting an Engage Workshop is a first step toward raising the value of art and creativity in your town. The workshop helps you explore how creativity, innovation, and the arts can build new connections in your community and expand your local economy.
Engage is a two-hour workshop that brings together local artists, municipal employees, business owners, community groups, non-profit staff, healthcare professionals, teachers, and more. In-person workshops usually have 20-50 participants, but more can join.
We’ve designed a two-hour public event you can easily host with local partners. CT Office of the Arts will provide a complete Guide to Hosting an Engage Workshop. Allow 6-8 weeks for planning and promotion.
Outcomes of an Engage workshop:
- Brainstorm your community assets
- Explore challenges creatively
- Spark understanding and collaboration between creative and business-minded individuals
Learn more about Engage Workshops here
The Shift Workshop
Shift is more than just a workshop — it’s a launchpad for creative community solutions.
Small teams of diverse stakeholders come together to:
- Clarify the real root of a local problem
- Generate creative, locally grounded solutions
- Develop a plan that’s realistic, collaborative, and ready to implement
- Present ideas to a panel of local experts or leaders for immediate feedback
- Return two weeks later for an Action Session to take the next step forward
Hosted by local agencies or organizations, facilitated by Air Certified Facilitators, Shift accelerates change through dialogue, trust-building, and smart tools — all rooted in the unique voice of your community.
A Shift workshop focuses on developing a small yet impactful community project. Shift happens over one and ½ days and typically includes between 12 and 36 people. Attendees may have previously participated in the Engage workshop or may be new to the process.
- Day one is a 9-hour commitment.Day two is 4 hours.
- A 2-hour Action Session is held about 2 weeks after the Shift workshop.
- Participants must commit to the entire workshop schedule.
Outcomes of a Shift Workshop:
- Communities that take part in the Shift workshop will start a small, locally funded project costing less than $10,000. They have one year following the workshop to finish their project.
Learn more about Shift Workshops here
Air Certified Facilitators
Connecticut Air Facilitators are skilled at leading workshops that unite artists, community members, businesspeople, and municipal leaders to focus on a goal. Air Facilitators help people put the power of creative collaboration to work in their lives.
Our facilitators have diverse backgrounds and life experiences. They have creative and business experience, strong communication skills, and high emotional intelligence. They inspire hope, change, and excellence.
Learn more about CT Office of the Arts’ partnership with The Air Collaborative here
Contact
For more information email Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker at kimberley.parsons-whitaker@ct.gov