The Ebb & Flow River Arts Project started out as an event – and became a movement. It was a grand experiment on what it would be like to truly share leadership when tackling a shared community challenge. It showed me, more than anything else I’ve been involved in, that the arts have the power to inspire cross-sector conversations, spark activism, build relationships, bridge communities, and improve lives.

The purpose of Ebb & Flow was to enliven the Santa Cruz RiverWalk and Tannery Arts Center, to make them into welcoming public spaces, to foster stewardship of the river and the public park along its banks, and to inspire investment – both financial and emotional – in the future of these community resources. We accomplished this through community-built temporary and public art installations and a parade and celebration, all keenly focused on the mission of the project.

What surprised me most was how gratifying and connected the work felt long prior to the unveiling of the artworks, or the celebration. Every partner owned their part of the project; artists were allowed to dream big and create extraordinary works; and city agencies, environmental nonprofits, artists, and volunteers worked beautifully together. And the Ebb & Flow celebration was magical. Thousands came to experience the RiverWalk and Tannery in a new way, and the Ebb & Flow Sculpture is now a stunning and welcoming gathering spot for everyone who lives, works, and plays on campus. In short, this program transformed relationships, perceptions, and the very ground we walk on here at the Tannery.