The Center for Rural Arts Development and Leadership Education (CRADLE) will begin a new pilot program in Bakersville with a goal of having an active and sustainable participatory arts program up and running in the historic Mitchell County Courthouse by the end of the summer. CRADLE is committed to making the telling of local stories stronger through the participation and the building of long-term relationships while making local organizations more sustainable. The Center for Rural Arts Development and Leadership Education is dedicated to bringing the arts back home to small and rural communities with populations fewer than 20,000. Their goal is to rebuild the front porch of America by strengthening pride of place through a rich expressive life available to everyone.