Fostering Community Building in West Greenville
Challenge
West Greenville in South Carolina has faced a significant transformation due to rapid revitalization efforts. Artists, galleries, restaurants, and other businesses are all moving into the former mill community. While this has brought economic growth, it has also raised concerns about gentrification and displacement among long-term minority residents, particularly due to increasing rents, taxes, and property values. Newcomers and long-term residents lack a shared understanding and communication, leading to a growing disconnect within and between different groups within the community.
Solution
New Media New South (NMNS) was launched as a multimedia storytelling project by Openfields in collaboration with TOSS, a visual arts studio, to share the stories of the South, past and present. NMNS partnered with non-profits, volunteers, and students to create cultural artifacts, including exhibitions, a historical timeline, and a digital archive, highlighting the narratives of diverse community members. By celebrating and sharing stories, connecting existing and new residents, and creating a cohesive narrative, NMNS aims to foster understanding, connectivity, and a stronger sense of community among residents.
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Impact
New Media New South has made significant strides in bridging the gap between different groups within the West Greenville community. Through its storytelling, the project highlighted the voices and experiences of both longtime residents and newcomers. The digital archive and historical timeline ensured the legacy of West Greenville was documented and preserved for future generations. This initiative facilitated meaningful dialogue, celebrated community heritage, and laid the foundation for a shared story that embraced the growing diversity of the community. Furthermore, NMNS sparked interest and engagement, indicating potential for future projects and sustained community-building efforts.
“Our goal with these profiles is to celebrate and share the stories of longtime residents and newcomers in West Greenville. It took a lot of work, but I think they are an important first step to creating a cohesive narrative for this community.”
- Kathryn Ervin, project manager of New Media New South
The New Media New South project was also featured on the front page of the Greenville Journal. The article included an 8-page feature story showcasing the photography, an interview with Kathryn Irwin (Project Lead) and Sarah Ware (one of the community members), and an article by Grady Powell, Openfields CEO, reflecting on the New Media New South project entitled "Imagination Knows More."
For more information on the project visit the New Media New South website.
