Alliance for the Arts Opens Dedicated Phone Line to Collect Stories of Ian Survival.

FORT MYERS, FL (Dec 21, 2022)– Alliance for the Arts begins an Oral History Project titled Storm Stories, in response to the emotional impact of Hurricane Ian . 

“When our staff returned to the Alliance we all shared our experiences with each other and I have seen that need echoed in our community,” says Executive Director Molly Deckart. “It is cathartic to share your account and the emotions involved.”

“Storm Stories” will have a dedicated, unmanned voicemail, 239-744-3047, as well as a way to submit written and recorded responses, allowing you to share your unique experience and express your emotions. Anyone who experienced  Hurricane Ian is invited to participate. Both mediums launched earlier this month. 

“Just tell your story about your experience through and after Hurricane Ian in whatever capacity you feel fit—uncensored and unbridled,” explains Molly. “It could be stories of resilience or trauma or pain or loss. It could be a wide range of feelings. It is meant to be cathartic and therapeutic and shareable—something that we can all relate to in some form or fashion.”

Artistic leeway will then be given to local artists to better share these stories with the community. This project will culminate in a multi-media, artistic expression exhibition September 2023.

While this project already covers all of Lee County, Alliance for the Arts plans on expanding this project to the entire state of Florida. If you are interested in becoming a partner on this project, please contact Molly Deckart.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation,development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.