Mariposa, CA — The Mariposa Arts Council, in partnership with local community organizations, is pleased to welcome Andy Mink, Director of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative, to Mariposa County on Tuesday, February 10,
for a series of public and community engagements marking the beginning of a new relationship between the Smithsonian and Mariposa County.
As part of his visit, Andy Mink will deliver a public presentation and reception at the Mariposa Museum & History Center (5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa, CA 95338) from 5:00–6:30 pm. The evening will begin with a public reception from 5:00–5:45 pm with light refreshments, followed by a presentation from 5:45–6:30 pm titled:
“More than Not Urban”: Serving Rural Communities and Rural People
Founded in 2022, the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative works to engage with and amplify the voices of rural Americans, support community-based collaborations, exchange resources, and elevate rural cultural stories nationwide. In 2024, the Smithsonian led a national Rural Needs Sensing research project, gathering insights from more than 4,000 rural stakeholders. From this research, five key priorities emerged that align with the Smithsonian’s institutional expertise and resources.
During the presentation, Mink will share insights from this research and discuss emerging collaborations focused on supporting rural communities in the Sierra region. His talk will emphasize the Smithsonian’s approach of listening first — providing tools, resources, and partnership so that rural communities can lead their own storytelling and cultural initiatives.
Earlier that day, Andy Mink will also make a brief presentation to the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors at 2:00 pm, offering an overview of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative and its interest in learning from and working alongside Mariposa County.
Andy Mink is a native of rural coastal Virginia and has served as the founding director of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative since 2023. Based in the Office of the Under Secretary for Education, he works closely with rural leaders across the nation to support community-driven projects that reflect local priorities, histories, and cultures.
This February visit represents the early stage of a long-term effort. Based on conversations and connections made during this visit, the Smithsonian plans to return to Mariposa in May with a broader team for a larger community convening. That gathering will focus on identifying shared values, local priorities, and potential projects, with the Smithsonian supporting community-led ideas that emerge.
Mariposa and neighboring Sierra communities are rich in history, creativity, and deep connections to the land, while also facing the challenges common to rural life, including geographic isolation and limited access to resources. The Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative recognizes the importance of rural places like Mariposa and seeks to support locally rooted efforts that strengthen cultural preservation, community connections, and resilience.
The public reception and presentation on February 10 is free and open to all.
For more information or questions, please contact Cara Goger at goger@mariposaartscouncil.org
The Arts Council is an incorporated not-for-profit organization, created to promote and support all forms of the cultural arts, for all ages, throughout Mariposa County. It is supported in part by the County of Mariposa, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the California Arts Council, a state agency.
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