This problem has attracted thousands of young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. Green spaces have sprung up all over the city and art spaces have been formed. Installations have been put up on blighted properties that change them from eyesores to centers for community engagement. Last year, Rebecca Crenshaw and Sean Vissar pondered that exact question. They began talking about forming a space for artists to be creatively productive. With their backgrounds in rebuilding houses and work with non-profits, they teamed up with Matthew Sheard who had similar ideas and experience, to start a non-profit cultural center. After discussion about what the space should entail, we purchased a house, and 1239 Congress was born. The programs and events that we've started at 1239 Congress have sprouted up organically from conversations with artists and community members. And that's how we plan to move forward. So if you have ideas or need a space, please reach out to us.
1239 Congress is the perfect space for young artists with limited resources, to rehearse, perform and have instant feedback from a live audience. We are also developing a music exchange program, where any musician who wants to use the space can. The only payment required is to give music lessons to community youth in return. Please leave comments or contact us at 1239 [email protected] for more information or to get involved!
