Appalshop

Appalshop is a media, arts, and education center located in Whitesburg, Kentucky, in the heart of the southern Appalachian region of the United States.

Founded in 1969, Appalshop established itself as the primary hub of filmmaking in and about Appalachia, and since that time has produced nearly 100 original films and videos, covering such subjects as coal mining, the environment, traditional culture, and the economy.

Appalshop also produces theater, music, and spoken-word recordings (released on its June Appal label), as well as photography, multimedia, and books.

Since 1985, it also operates WMMT 88.7 FM (Mountain Community Radio), a radio station located in Whitesburg which serves much of central Appalachia (including eastern Kentucky, southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia, northeastern Tennessee, and parts of North Carolina) with traditional music and programming relevant to the region and its culture. WMMT also broadcast live on the web.

As stated on its website, Appalshop's goals are:


 * To document, disseminate, and revitalize the lasting traditions and contemporary creativity of Appalachia;
 * To tell stories the commercial cultural industries don’t tell, challenging stereotypes with Appalachian voices and visions;
 * To support communities’ efforts to achieve justice and equity and solve their own problems in their own ways;
 * To celebrate cultural diversity as a positive social value; and
 * To participate in regional, national, and global dialogue toward these ends.