Stewards VISTA: AMP Berea - Creative Community Initiative Y1

Stewards VISTA: AMP Berea - Creative Community Initiative Y1

AMP Berea is a nonprofit based in Berea, Kentucky, producing free outdoor concerts and building public gathering spaces in a city of 15,400 at the gateway to Eastern Kentucky’s coal-impacted counties. Our mission sits at the intersection of arts, public space, and economic development—using culture to activate underused spaces and support local economies. Programs include the Levitt BLOC Music Series (neighborhood concerts), Music & Meaning (arts and health partnerships for older adults), and Interdependence (a participatory community festival).

We want to host a VISTA who will strengthen regional creative infrastructure across Eastern Kentucky. The VISTA will develop messaging systems, story archives, and outreach tools for staff to use that help communities communicate their impact to funders and policymakers. We seek candidates who are collaborative, self-directed, strong communicators, and interested in rural development, arts, and community engagement. Members will travel regionally, work with partners, and gain professional development experience.

Berea offers a walkable, arts-rich environment, low cost of living, and strong sense of community—ideal for those relocating. Project dates follow the standard Ameri Corps VISTA service term. For more information, visit Stewards Individual Placements website.

• The Communications and Storytelling VISTA will build communications infrastructure and storytelling capacity for AMP & regional partner communities.
• Develop a communications strategy, messaging frameworks, and content toolkits.
• Create a story archive documenting impact.
• Design outreach systems that help partner communities increase visibility with funders and civic audiences.
• Compile live music economic impact data from national sources and package it into accessible toolkits that the regional communities can use to make the case for local arts investment and inform state-level policy conversations.
• Conduct grant research and regional funding pipeline development.

• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Training
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Relocation Allowance
• Living Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Training funds
• Education award upon successful completion of service

• Car recommended
• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Permits attendance at school during off hours

• Community and Economic Development
• Neighborhood Revitalization
• Health
• Community Outreach
• Entrepreneur/Business

• Youth Development
• Non-Profit Management
• Recruitment
• Business/Entrepreneur
• Fine Arts/Crafts
• Team Work
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Community Organization
• General Skills
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Communications
• Writing/Editing
• Computers/Technology