In June, Maine's treasured Salt Institute for Documentary studies announced plans to close after long time executive director, Donna Galluzzo, resigned. It was the end of a decades long fight to fund hopeful documentarians, journalists, and storytellers.
But after a summer of discussions, a new chapter is opening for the 42 year old institute. A grant from the Quimby Family foundation and a new partnership with the Maine College of Art will offer some stability, and some exciting options for students and instructors moving forward. Callie Crossley say down with executive director, Donna Galluzzo, MECA president, Don Tuski, and Cheryl Hamilton, accomplished alumna to hear more about the organizations past, present, and future.
The partnership, according to Galluzzo promises to "re-energize our programming by reinstating our affiliation with an accredited institution." She hopes that Salt will be able to expand opportunities for our students to find creative ways to fund their semester program, and develop mechanisms to transfer credits earned during a course of study at Salt.
Following the announcement of the school's closure came a tremendous amount of support from alumni and local organizations. It would appear that at least some of Salt's most pressing challenges are now behind it. This story, it seems, is not over yet.
