Frontiers of Commoning, with David Bollier

Paul Baines, Outreach and Education Coordinator of the Great Lakes Commons, fosters new attitudes and practices toward the Great Lakes in collaboration with other groups. Through crowdsourced maps, public celebrations, cultural projects, and reconciliation work with indigenous peoples, the Great Lakes Commons is exploring what stewardship of water means. For more on the commons, go to www.Bollier.org.

Rachel Moriarty, the Coordinator of the Berkshires Local Currency program, dives into the fascinating evolution of BerkShares, one of the world's most successful local currencies. She highlights the importance of community-driven finance and discusses the innovative SHARE loan program that supports local businesses. Rachel reveals how BerkShares transitioned from a weekend initiative to a year-round currency, emphasizing local identity and resource reclamation. With insights on its legal framework and artistic design, this conversation is a deep exploration of economic localization.

Matthew Glassman and Carlos Uriona, co-artistic directors of Double Edge Theatre, explain how commoning animates the performances and stewardship of their artist-owned ensemble theater company in western Massachusetts. For more on the commons, go to www.Bollier.org.