In twelve years of embedding ourselves in the everyday experiences of real people and real communities, The Wright has come to view culture as the difficult and necessary area of work behind any comprehensive approach to building thriving, dynamic communities and creating pathways to economic mobility. We believe there are more effective means of understanding the far-reaching contributions of the outdoor recreation industry, and more compelling ways to convey how this sector supports the innovation system, advances equitable economic opportunity, attracts talent and investment to places, and serves as an essential source of cultural cohesion.

And, we believe there is a need for a different sort of collaborative platform. One that comes up from the community and puts culture at the forefront of discussions of economic growth, recovery, and transition. A platform that brings a different set of tools to the work of strengthening the fabric of our communities. A set of tools equipped to break down silos, unlock new partnerships, create pathways to meaningful work, and establish an underlying sense of belonging.