MFAD faculty member Willy Wong was awarded a Sappi Grant for the expansion of Jane’s Walk, a celebration of community and history throughout Maine. Organized by Maine Preservation and local partners, the event brings people together to walk, observe, listen, share, question, reflect, imagine, and connect over Maine’s past, present, and future. The grant will allow for the creation of a core festival identity and platform, designing a new organizer outreach campaign, a walk leader training toolkit, as well as a marketing and promotional efforts to support the festival.

Jane’s Walk ME is a local interpretation of the global Jane’s Walk festival consisting of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs (1916–2006). It’s typically held during the first weekend in May, in honor of Jane’s birthday. Jane believed in the power of individuals to influence the places they live. Today, her principles represent the participatory planning approaches embraced by many flourishing communities. Jane’s Walk began in 2007, first held in Toronto, then New York City’s Greenwich Village. It now takes place annually in cities and towns around the world.