The Power of Creativity to Transform
RiffRaff Arts Collective (RRAC) believes in the transformative power of music and the arts. What began as a vision to unite people through creativity and breathe life into a struggling downtown has grown into a nationally recognized model of creative placemaking. Through music and arts events, public art, creative media, civic engagement, and community-driven projects, we’ve helped turn Princeton, WV, into a thriving hub of artistic expression, collaboration, and cultural connection.
In the early 2000s, Princeton’s Mercer Street—once a thriving town center—had fallen into decay, with over 80% of its buildings vacant. But where some saw decline, we saw possibility. Since 2004, RRAC has been at the heart of Princeton’s creative resurgence, breathing new life into our community with relentless positivity. Our neighborhood, the Mercer Street Grassroots District, is now thriving with life and nearing maximum capacity.
Our Mission
RRAC inspires, empowers and promotes the arts and creativity in downtown Princeton, Southern WV and the Appalachian region. We enable creative growth by providing space, tools and resources to artists of all types including visual, performing, literary and healing artists, small business owners and creative people of all ages.
We enable educational opportunities, open doors to community transformation by connecting artists with local government, business and the community at large, and deploy creative action from within our space to the world around us.
We believe in the power of the arts to promote change. Our work catalyzes growth and ultimately, positive transformation of people, spaces and places.
Milestones
📍 2004 – Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival launches, fostering unity and cultural appreciation through global music and the arts.
🎤 2004 – Open Mic Night begins—quickly becoming the heartbeat of RRAC’s work. Nearly 20 years later, it remains a Monday night tradition, welcoming artists and musicians from all walks of life.
🏛 2006 – RRAC moves into its historic Mercer Street building, opening an art gallery and hosting its first concert.
🎶 2008 – Stages Music School opens, bringing multigenerational creative energy to downtown as students and professional artists collaborate.
🎭 2008 – RRAC launches All Together Arts Week, an annual countywide celebration uniting artists, businesses, and the community—introducing the beloved Gallery Hops, Parade, and Day of Merriment.
🎨 2013 – RRAC partners with local nonprofit Community Connections, the City of Princeton, and local organizations to launch the Princeton Renaissance Project, leading to:
- 40+ murals
- A community garden
- A wave of creative businesses—redefining downtown.
This revitalization movement also sparks new community traditions, including Mercer Monster Mash, Downtown Countdown, and Celebrate Princeton—events that still thrive today.
🚀 2016 – RRAC takes its creative placemaking model on the road, launching the first Create Your State tour, inspiring and equipping communities across Appalachia.
🏗 2018 – RRAC embarks on its most ambitious preservation project yet: the Lonnie Gunter Jr. Center for Industrial History, a landmark initiative to honor Princeton’s rich industrial heritage. A groundbreaking is on the horizon.
🌎 2019 – RRAC officially becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, expanding its mission, reach, and impact.
🎥 2020 – In response to COVID-19, RRAC keeps traditions alive through high-quality livestream productions, featuring performances, artist spotlights, and business features—ensuring continued connection despite the shutdown.
🎤 2021 – First Friday Concerts in the Square debut, bringing free live music and community connection to the Grassroots Districtin a Covid-safe outdoor setting.
💬 2021 – RRAC launches We Need to Talk, a bold initiative using music videos and documentary storytelling to spark community dialogue, healing, and civic engagement.
🎭 2022 – After two years of virtual programming, all live events return, restoring the energy of in-person festivals, concerts, and creative gatherings.
🎉 2023 – Culturefest celebrates 20 years of fostering unity through the arts.
☕ 2024 – RRAC launches The Dream Bean, a coffeehouse and creative hub where art, music, and community converge in the heart of downtown Princeton.
🌍 Today – RRAC continues to lead the way in arts-driven revitalization, offering cultural programming, mentorship, and transformative events that uplift communities across Appalachia and beyond.
