News Summary
Viola Ratcliffe has been named the Director of Community Engagement at Create Birmingham, focusing on enhancing the city’s creative economy. With her extensive background in the arts and community programs, Ratcliffe aims to foster entrepreneurship and community involvement. Her leadership will guide various initiatives and programs, including the annual Community Arts Program and the CO.STARTERS program. As Birmingham prioritizes creative entrepreneurship, her vision is set to contribute significantly to the city’s cultural and economic development.
Birmingham Elevates Creative Economy with New Director of Community Engagement
Birmingham, Alabama – Viola Ratcliffe has recently been appointed as the Director of Community Engagement at Create Birmingham, an organization dedicated to strengthening the city’s creative economy. With a lifelong passion for the arts and a solid background in various arts non-profits, Ratcliffe is poised to make significant contributions to the local arts landscape. Her role comes at a time when Birmingham is increasingly recognizing the importance of creative entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth.
Background and Experience
Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Ratcliffe developed an affinity for the arts during her childhood, participating in various programs that nurtured her skills in pottery, painting, and weaving. After earning a master’s degree in Art History, she went on to hold positions at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Bib & Tucker Sew-Op, where she served as Interim Director before transitioning to Create Birmingham in 2022.
Create Birmingham’s Objectives
Create Birmingham aims to enhance Birmingham’s creative economy through initiatives designed to foster small businesses and strengthen community ties. Ratcliffe’s promotion to the position of Director of Community Engagement highlights the organization’s commitment to involving local residents in the artistic process. Under her stewardship, various programs and workshops have taken shape, particularly targeting creative entrepreneurship and community arts.
CO.STARTERS Program
- From 2022 to 2023, Ratcliffe facilitated the Bessemer CO.STARTERS program, aimed at nurturing small businesses and non-profit organizations within the community.
- She organized a series of Business of Creating workshops that empowered local artists and entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of establishing and sustaining their creative ventures.
- In partnership with the City of Bessemer, Ratcliffe was instrumental in securing funding through the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Grant.
Community Arts Program
Ratcliffe’s leadership is pivotal in shaping the annual Community Arts Program, which highlights significant local artists and their contributions to Birmingham’s cultural heritage. Last year’s program featured Joe Minter, a highly regarded Birmingham artist, showcasing his impactful work and life through community collaboration.
Upcoming Initiatives and Impact
Looking ahead to 2025, the focus will shift to the Jefferson County Memorial Quilt, which honors the memory of the 33 African-Americans lynched in the county. Workshops for this memorial quilt will be held on May 8 and June 28, 2025, at Sloss Furnaces and the Bessemer Public Library. These efforts emphasize the importance of arts in fostering community resilience, promoting racial reconciliation, and enhancing education.
Expert Insights
Experts in community development stress that investment in the arts can significantly contribute to economic vitality, as it attracts tourism, encourages local spending, and creates jobs. The collaboration between Create Birmingham and local governments further underlines an understanding of these dynamics, highlighting the increasing recognition of arts as a viable sector for sustainable growth.
Conclusion
As Viola Ratcliffe embarks on her new role, her vision for Birmingham’s creative economy is clear: to foster an inclusive environment where art and entrepreneurship coincide, ultimately contributing to the community’s overall development. The local impact of her initiatives is anticipated to resonate throughout the broader Birmingham area, marking a progressive step toward a culturally rich and economically sustainable future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Mayor Advocates for Public Transportation Expansion
Birmingham Community Faces Challenges After Shooting Incident
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Georgia Deputy
Birmingham Banking Community Transformed by Merger
Birmingham Community Welcomes New Job Opportunities and Legal Updates
Alabama’s Spring Migration: 13 Million Birds in Flight
Governor Kay Ivey Allocates Grants to Combat Violent Crime
Amazon Becomes Title Sponsor of Magic City Classic in Birmingham
Birmingham Authorities Investigate Homicide of Local Man
Mountain Brook: A Vibrant Community Hub in Crestline Village
Additional Resources
- StyleBlueprint: Viola Ratcliffe Joins Create Birmingham
- AL.com: Birmingham Creative Figure to Lead Alabama Film Office
- Express & Star: West Midlands’ £675m Bid for Creative Industries
- The Art Newspaper: Cuts to Cultural Projects in Birmingham
- Bham Now: Buddy Palmer Retires as CEO of Create Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
