Provisions:About
From Provisions
Provisions is a social change learning resource amplifying compelling voices that challenge and redefine the mainstream. It is a platform for experiencing alternative perspectives and radical visions that inspire the activist in each of us.
Provisions is an experimental arena where broad and diverse audiences, cultures and ideas intersect, sparking new possibilities for enacting peace, justice, sustainability, social responsibility and respect for the diversity of life.
Provisions offers many points of entry for people newly interested in learning about social change. For individuals already active in a wide variety of social change initiatives, Provisions is a resource for deepening and broadening their knowledge base.
Provisions is both physical and virtual, featuring on-site programs such as exhibitions, screenings, workshops as well as fully accessible online study guides, virtual exhibitions and up-to-date information.
Provisions places great value on the power of the arts- literature, visual art, new media, theatre, music- to speak across national and cultural boundaries and provide a critical lens through which to see the world.
BRIEF HISTORY
Provisions Learning Project was initiated by Gaea Foundation to find effective ways to nurture creative individuals engaged in radical social change. This process led to the opening of a resource center for activism and arts in September, 2001, as an experimental outpost where the public could have access to alternative publications from around the world. Also initiated at that time was Sea Change Residencies, a project in Provincetown Massachusetts providing time and space for artists and activists to further their work.
In 2002, the center began to present exhibitions of socially-engaged art and offer educational programs and workshops to the public. Moving to larger and more accessible facilities near Dupont Circle in March 2003, the organization's library expanded, as did its capacity to present in-depth exhibitions and educational programs. In 2006 a new website was launched enabling greater access to collections and programs.
Provisions has grown in purpose, scope and audience to become a valued cultural institution for exploring and inspiring new avenues of creative social change. It is now an independent, non-profit organization, with a professional staff and international board of directors committed to diversifying Provisions' impact as well as its sources of support.
Provisions is currently investigating new and effective ways of amplifying compelling voices of social change that extend beyond Provisions' physical and virtual space, ways that will truly intervene in mainstream culture and offer positive visions of social change.
