We Are Martinsville (WAM): Leveraging Mobile Gaming for Community Engagement and Improving Health

Regional Context and Research Agenda

Shifting economic trends over the past few decades have resulted in the loss of population and regional identity in Virginia rural communities. With this economic decline, formerly vibrant towns with rich histories and cultures increasingly suffer from a lack of new investment, impacting quality of life, education, and health care. Researchers have consistently found correlations between a community’s identity and culture and its overall well-being. Regenerative planning strategies and entrepreneurship are both critical drivers for a better future (Florida, 2014; Weaver et al., 2017). While identity shaped through local culture and social capital is not easily measured, it plays a critical role in the vibrancy and attractiveness of a place. Culture manifests itself through museums and galleries, built artifacts, events, and creative cultural productions. Cultural activity, in specific, is an expression of shared values expressing a sense of belonging. In addition, the principles of cultural economy can strengthen the growth and attractiveness of both urban areas and rural communities (Klaus, 2006).