Communities of practice
Communities of practice refer to a group of people who share a common concern, a set of problems or an interest in a topic and ultimately seek to work together to accomplish both individual and group goals. When working in communities, you will find that you will develop formal and informal connections and communities of practice.
Margaret Wheatley talks of community learning and the importance of developing communities of practice: “We humans learn best in relationship with others who share a common practice. We self-organise as communities with those who have skills and knowledge that are important to us” (2007, p. 172). The research on communities of practice provides wonderful examples of how individuals learn complex skills very quickly when there is a real need and when working closely with other colleagues who have those skills. Being able to reach out to a colleague and receive immediate feedback or advice based on their knowledge or experience can help you substantially in resolving a problem or potential crises (Wheatley, 2007).
Wheatly (2007) notes: “Communities of practice demonstrate that it is natural for people to seek out those who have the knowledge and experience that they need. As people find others and exchange ideas, relationships develop and community forms … connections become an incubator where new knowledge, skills, and competencies develop” (p. 172). She also tells us that communities of practice are formed among people with similar values and visions doing similar work. This aligns elements found in team charters and organisational values that contribute to organisational cultures.
Some strategies that can help in building connections include creating conversations, moving faster, and making your organisation a community (Groysberg et al., 2021). This connectivity is more critical now than ever and will assist in building and nurturing collaborations and supporting positive organisational cultures.
One thing to remember as you go forward is the importance of connection. As Brené Brown suggests, “connection is why we are here” (Passage Works, 2021). If we look at the four pillars of community sustainability, we see those connections among the social, environmental, economic and cultural sectors of our community. Investing in the arts has a ripple effect throughout the community in economic benefits including tourist attractions, job creation, youth development and training, empowering spaces and nurturing the preservation of intangible cultural heritage such as storytelling. There is an integral overall societal impact which results from investment in the arts (Ontario Arts Council, 2020).
Exploring the ripple effect and the importance of connections
Sometimes the far-reaching nature of our actions’ impacts are astounding. An example of the ripple effect cultural value creates in our communities is demonstrated through an exhibit called “We’jitu Ta’n Wetapeki Elapsk~tekemkewey Amalitaqn / Finding My Roots Through the Art of Sculpture” by Gordon Sparks featured at Mary E. Black Gallery, as part of the Centre for Craft and Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia (See Figure 3:7 We’jitu Ta’n Wetapeki Elapsk~tekemkewey Amalitaqn / Finding My Roots Through the Art of Sculpture” by Gordon Sparks).
This project was truly unique, and the cultural value it represents in the community is immense. As a traditional hand-carved wooden mask maker, Sparks (2021) explains that his work “represents tradition for the Mi’kmaq people to guarantee the preservation of traditional values, new ceremonies, oral storytelling, and the gathering of people to share in life stories together as a community” (n.p.). Sparks talks about his life experience and his journey to seek knowledge and wisdom, he shares stories of his journey and his process in a series of videos, using the oral tradition of storytelling. Emily Wareham, the Director at the Centre for Craft Nova Scotia, shares the value and impact this project has had on the community:
“Gordon’s masks are a testament to the power of the handmade craft object. These hand carved masks brought folks from across the Atlantic Canada together to share in the culture, tell stories, sing and learn from one another. The community connectivity of this project strengthens the cultural landscape of Nova Scotia by uplifting Mi’kmaq voices, recognising the value of rich traditions and identifying new ways forward.” (Zoom interview, September 2021)
This project and its creative process, storytelling, community connections, relationships, preservation of cultural traditions and the craft of mask making exemplify both tangible and intangible culture. The masks and the craft of mask making are the tangible element. The perhaps more powerful elements in this project are the intangible parts: The journey and process that informed the creation of the masks and triggered the sharing of stories from the past are singular and compelling. This has helped to actively preserve valuable traditions and cultural practices from Mi’kmaq culture. The oral tradition of storytelling has also evolved to include in-person and digital sharing through the series of artist talks which makes these stories more accessible.
It is well worthwhile taking the time to watch the series; however, one in particular (See video 3:5 Gordon Sparks Levels of Creation Artist Talk) , helps to demonstrate the value of cultural traditions and the power they provide for communities. As you watch the video, think about the ripple effect and the connections this project has created in the community. There are more details about the exhibit and links to all of the videos available (See link 3:2 Exhibition).
Video 3:5, Gordon Sparks Levels of Creation Artist Talk
We also thought it might be interesting to explore the continued impact of Spark’s “Finding my Roots” project, the role his marks are having in the community, and what is next on his journey. Wareham and I [Kelly Jerrott] reached out to Sparks to ask his permission to share his project and the story of his journey and work, to which he has generously agreed. In our recent conversation with Sparks, he talks of the path he is taking next on his journey (See video 3:6 An Informal Conversation with Gordon Sparks) [Video Transcript].
Video 3:6, An Informal Conversation with Gordon Sparks
Listen to some of our observations and learnings following our conversation with Sparks about the ripple effect and our role as cultural professionals (See video 3:7 Ripple Effect and the Role of Cultural Professionals, Kelly Jerrott and Emily Wareham).