The graphic design area in the Department of Art at the University of Arkansas has established a partnership with Thrive, a design and innovation consultancy located in the Arkansas Delta town of Helena. Thrive's mission is "to design opportunity in impoverished regions of rural America in an effort to increase economic mobility and decrease rural brain drain—eventually creating a global model for vibrant, prosperous, and thriving rural communities."

Since its founding in 2009 and in addition to its traditional design practices, Thrive has established two core initiatives: The Helena Start-Up Program, which strategically assists aspiring entrepreneurs in the launch or expansion of their businesses; and The Cherry Street Fair, a monthly festival promoting community and tourism while highlighting the vibrant culture of the Delta.

The Department of Art, with financial support from the Windgate Charitable Foundation in Siloam Springs, awarded graduating graphic design student Ann Tran an eight-week summer residency at Thrive.

"I was constantly learning about the historical roots of the Helena during her early days, watching the muddy Mississippi flow, sipping sweet peach tea in the summer heat, and met new friends whose passion for helping rebuild the Helena community continues to grow," said Tran. "For the short time I was there, I wasn't just designing for the sake of design. I was challenged, mentored, and pushed to make decisions. I watched ordinary people like you and I have authentic conversations with people, business owners and non-profits, which in turn, helped boost numerous opportunities for potential businesses."

"We are very excited about the budding relationship with Thrive and to provide our students the opportunity to use their design skills to foster community," said Marty Maxwell Lane, assistant professor of graphic design, who initiated the opportunity. "Through their mentorship and studio model, Thrive provided Ann with invaluable experiences as a young designer. She was able to see a project through from initial client meetings to concept to execution— all while working in an area that really opened up her ideas about how design can serve a community."

This past summer provided such vast educational enrichment and memorable experiences that Thrive and the Department of Art have agreed to advance their partnership as an annual opportunity for a rising junior or senior graphic design student.

"Our partnership with the U of A, specifically the graphic design area in the Department of Art, is integral to the growth of our mission," commented Terrance Clark, co-founder of Thrive. "We see this strategic partnership in our home of Arkansas as a first step in building a national service model for young designers to apply their creative skills toward community development and the turnaround of the effects of endemic poverty in rural America."

The social concept of design for good was deeply imparted on Tran during her time in the Arkansas Delta. "I left Helena feeling humbled, happy, and definitely having become a better designer," Tran said.

"This partnership with Thrive is a wonderful outreach element for the graphic design program, and will continue to create a rich student learning experience when the new B.F.A. in graphic design is launched next year," said Jeanne Hulen, chair of the Department of Art. "We're excited about the graphic design faculty's interest in fostering such rewarding relationships and continuing to graduate effective and well-trained students."