Joplin last week was recognized by the Missouri Arts Council as a “creative community.” It’s an honor much deserved.
And given the circumstances in our city since May 22, 2011, probably a bit of an understatement to describe the ways we used music, art and theater following the town’s darkest days to help lift the community.
Now, we need to continue that mode of creative thinking and apply it to our rebuilding challenges, whether it be our schools, our businesses or our homes.
As much as we appreciated the commemorative plaque the town received, we were more moved by the standing ovation Mayor Mike Woolston received in Jefferson City as he took the stage on behalf or our town.
It was a moment that reminded us of the strength we have found in each other.
Woolston, in his acceptance, said it this way:
“We have suffered a tragic loss. But the true character deeply embedded within the members of our community has, and will continue, to rise to the surface. And that character will carry us forward not only in our rebuilding effort but in rebuilding with an open and greatly enhanced appreciation of the arts,” he said.
Woolston said that when he ran for Joplin City Council, it was on an economic development platform.
“Several years ago, we recognized that if we were to be truly successful in our economic development efforts, the arts had to be a part of that equation,” he told his audience.
Yes, it will take a “creative community” to figure out how to find the detours when roadblocks are presented. It will take a “creative community” to transform the problems at hand into workable solutions. And it will take a “creative community” to mend what’s broken and sometimes walk away from what cannot be fixed.
The award from the Missouri Arts Council reinforces what we’ve always known about the talent of Joplin.
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Our View: Joplin’s creative edge
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