Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Alternate ROOTS?
Alternate ROOTS was founded in 1976 at the Highlander Center in Tennessee by a group of southeastern performing artists creating original, community based work. Among those present were Jo Carson, John O'Neal and Dudley Cocke, Bob Leonard, all of whom are still members of the organization.
Our goals...
are to increase opportunities for the on-going exchange of work, skills, critical analysis and information within the region, and to create opportunities for enhanced visibility for new work and continuous artistic development.
Our members...
Our members include artists working in all disciplines: theater, dance, performance art, storytelling, mime, music, visual arts, media arts and movement. Playwrights, directors and choreographers are also members, as well as teachers, arts administrators and presenters who are partners in getting new work before an audience.
Alternate ROOTS works on many levels to create opportunities beyond the scope and ability of any single individual or organization.
What is the mission?
To support the creation and presentation of original art which is rooted in a particular community of place, tradition or spirit. As cultural workers we strive to be allies in the elimination of all forms of oppression. ROOTS is committed to social and economic justice and the protection of the natural world and addresses these concerns through its programs and services.
What is your purpose?
To promote a cohesive spirit among Southern artists of all disciplines through the exchange of work, skills, critical analysis and information.
By providing access to artistic resources and technical assistance in administrative areas and by creating opportunities that are beyond the scope of any individual or organization, ROOTS contributes to the artistic development and increased visibility, credibility and stability of its members.
The organization serves as a resource for its members who collectively reach over 1,000,000 audience members annually, a significant portion of whom are located in rural and urban areas not served by established arts institutions.
What can ROOTS do for the artist and the community?
We serve artists and communities by designing programs that address three major goals:
sharing information and resources by artists and presenters who traditionally have limited financial resources and are hampered by geographic or artistic isolation,
supporting the creation and development of new works, and
enabling the artists to get their work before a broader audience.
Our programs include:
The Annual Meeting, a week-long gathering of members and supporters in a retreat setting. Activities include artistic and professional training, performances, networking opportunities and training in "Undoing Racism." An Executive Committee is elected at this meeting, including work group chairs and regional representatives.
Publications include a quarterly Member's Bulletin, a quarterly Journal that is distributed nationally to over 7,000 arts readers, the ROOTS website, the ROOTS listserv, the Community Arts Directory and an anthology of original Southern plays.
Regional Events, organized in part by the Rhizomes (geographic clustering of ROOTS' members which meet throughout the year to discuss ROOTS business and to plan and produce local events) are designed to facilitate regional networking and alliance building, skills development or sharing of new works.
Performance Festivals/Showcases, which include community outreach. Showcase events take place around the region and feature ROOTS artists as well as local artists. Some examples include State of the Nation (New Orleans) (http://www.sonfestival.org/) and the Show What You Know Festival (Knoxville, TN).
Activities also include:
Liaison/networking on behalf of the membership with national arts organizations, including The Association of American Cultures (http://www.taac.com/), National Performance Network (http://www.npnweb.org/), the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (http://www.artspresenters.org/), National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (http://www.nalac.org/) and other regional/local arts organizations such as the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts (http://www.atlantaperforms.com/).
How can I get ROOTS involved in my community?
The Community/Artists' Partnership Project (C/APP) is designed to fund, document and teach community-based residency models to artists, arts presenters and community partners regionally.
Resources for Social Change (RSC) offers professional development workshops and convenes training institutes.
How do I join Alternate ROOTS?
Eligibility for special programs will be assigned on a project-by-project basis. Our principle is that every program will be open to as many members as possible.
To join online, click here.
Introductory Membership $20.00
For those who haven't yet had a chance to participate in a significant way. Benefits include:
- discounts to Annual Meeting and other events,
- access to the ROOTS e-mail listserv,
- receiving the quarterly ROOTS Member Bulletin,
- receiving the Up From the ROOTS Journal.
Introductory Membership is valid for one year only, at which time individuals may choose to become Members. For those who have participated in ROOTS activities, including the Annual Meeting.
Voting Membership $75.00
For those who live in Southern region and who have attended at least one Annual Meeting and desire to serve as a Board Member of ROOTS. Benefits include all Introductory Membership level benefits plus:
- decision making power over ROOTS policies,
- the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee,
- eligibility to apply for ROOTS re-granting programs.
Membership Responsibilities (all levels) include:
- paying dues in a timely manner,
- submitting information about activities to the ROOTS office so the Member Bulletin reflects the range and nature of members’ activity,
- supporting the work of members by attending performances, assisting with housing for traveling artists, networking with other ROOTS members and sharing information and resources,
- recruiting potential new members,
- listing your affiliation with Alternate ROOTS in your publications, programs and resume.
Please click here if you would like to apply for membership online!
Please click here if you would like to download your application and send it in.