Tapestries of Transformation
Finding shared values, creating lasting connections, and stronger communities.
Welcome to Tapestries of Transformation, an innovative initiative by Mil-Tree, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create community between veterans, service members and civilians through projects, creative expression, and dialogue. Through a unique blend of myth, personal storytelling, and communal collaboration, Tapestries of Transformation weaves a living narrative that brings together veterans, artists, and community members.
About the Program
Tapestries of Transformation set out to create a shared world rich in meaning and direction. The multi-pronged program took place in Joshua Tree, California throughout 2024 and included an experiential retreat, community gatherings, multidisciplinary creative workshops, and eight weeks of playmaking, all of which culminated in a community-driven theatrical performance. These elements worked together to build lasting connections and foster a sense of belonging for veterans, active military, artists and the wider local High Desert community of the Morongo Basin. Having documented the process of producing this program, Mil-Tree has created a toolkit for non-profits who seek to replicate this programming in their local communities.
Program Objectives
Tapestries of Transformation combats veteran and community isolation by:
- Facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange between veterans and their communities.
- Co-creating new mythologies and stories based on shared values and experiences.
- Fostering unity, collaboration, and new possible futures.
- Creating a compelling play and other artistic expressions inspired by the new mythologies.
- Encouraging reflection, conversation, and continued community engagement through events and materials.
Program Facets
Tapestries of Transformation is a multi-faceted program that creates a space for cultural exchange, understanding, and support between veterans and their communities through a number of connected program facets. The inaugural program took place in Joshua Tree, California.
Experiential Retreat
In January 2024, veterans, artists, and community members came together to learn and share through myth and personal storytelling. Guided by community elders, participants wove a living narrative that reflected their shared experiences.
Retreat Highlights:
- Connecting stories of veterans, artists, and community members
- Learning from native elders about myth and tradition
- Building community through shared experiences
Workshops
Following the retreat and throughout February 2024, professional artists led workshops in drumming, acting, storytelling, and movement in order to deepen the connections between participants and prepare them for the final performance.
Workshop Details:
- Four multi-disciplinary workshops held across four weekends
- Led by experienced artists and community members
- Attended by 30 community members
Film and Toolkit
A documentary film capturing the entire process is forthcoming, aiming to share the empowering model with other communities to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. Mil-Tree has created a toolkit to enable non-profits to replicate or adapt the program to communities across the country.
Learn more about our unique narrative-based approach.
Original Theatrical Performance
The program culminated in a theatrical performance devised from the shared experiences of the participants. This performance, which took place in May 2024, served as a powerful expression of the collective journey undertaken during the program.
Performance Details:
- Original theatrical production that embodied the power of collective storytelling and shared values
- Platform for for open dialogue, deeper understanding and the development of stronger, more resilient communities
- Original script, score, choreography, set and lighting design, and costumes
- Participants learned valuable new skills in all facets of playmaking alongside professional artists and craftspeople
- Audience participated in the literal weaving of a new tapestry
- Attended by 300 audience members and met with rave reviews
- Held on May 5, 2024 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center with a dry run on May 4, 2024.
Program Outcomes
By establishing a shared dialogue and creating a rich narrative landscape, the inaugural run of Tapestries of Transformation aimed to:
- Reduce veteran isolation
- Build resilient communities
- Foster a robust support network through creative expression
- Inspire other communities with a documented model of the program
Get Involved
Although the main events have ended, you can still be part of Tapestries of Transformation. Stay tuned for the release of the documentary film and join us in supporting veterans and building resilient communities.
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