Recently, the Rural Routes Design Lab + Studio hosted a Universal Workshop that serves as an entry point to the lab. We brought together 30 participants who were a mix of artists, creators, and community members, and even elected officials from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. The full-day intensive workshop was a display of collaborative problem-solving, from story circles to design thinking challenges, demonstrating art’s powerful role in addressing local issues. Watch the video here.

Universal Workshop, June 21, 2025
Photographed by Allison “Chucky” Allen

Universal Workshop, June 21, 2025
Photographed by Allison “Chucky” Allen

Building on this energy, we’re launching the Rural Routes Radio series on YouTube (@RuralRoutesDesign)! This series amplifies critical conversations at the intersection of art, culture, and community. One of the first episodes features an inspiring “Designing with Community” conversation from our universal workshop, with Sipp Culture Co-Founders Brandi and Carlton Turner and Utica Mayor Calvin Williams. Rural Routes Radio will premiere on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio in August. Check out the teaser here.

We’re committed to equipping rural changemakers with the tools, mentorship, and support for lasting transformation through art and innovation. We’ll be announcing our first Design Studio cohort and their projects in August. The Design Lab learning pathway + Design Studio experience kicks off in September. We’re excited to see the impact of this project!

Learn more about Rural Routes at sippculture.org/ruralroutes. Tune in to the Rural Routes Radio series on YouTube. Subscribe to Sipp Culture’s email list to be the first to know about Rural Routes updates and opportunities.