Awesome Foundation - Projects

Cass Clay – Bright Sky Apartments Haircuts

2018-10-16T00:00:00Z

Bright Sky Apartments is a permanent supportive housing that has 43 units that houses families and individuals. It is a Churches United for the Homeless property. One of the biggest needs that I am asked for is haircuts. There is little resources in the community for haircuts for low income people. Many that the people that live at Bright Sky are living off $99 a month for personal needs money. The average price of a haircut is 12-15 and that is just too much for people to spend when they have more pressing needs like socks, diapers and formula.

New York City, NY – Four Wise Cattle

2018-10-16T00:00:00Z

_The Four Wise Cattle are four living, breathing, inflatable creatures destined to roam the streets and parks of New York City. The Cattle were finalists in the 2017 Folly/Function competition to design a shading structure for Socrates Sculpture Park. Despite lack of funding, we designed and fabricated slightly smaller versions of the cattle to fulfill our curiosity. 74 yards of ripstop nylon were cut, dyed, and sewn in our small Brooklyn apartments. Each cattle is inflated with a constant stream of air from a blower fan – standing from seven to fourteen feet tall._ _An ongoing project, the creatures visited rooftops, apartments, and backyard parties. We learned that no matter how they squeeze or situate themselves, the cattle are always met with curiosity and enthusiasm – their scale is welcomed, not feared. Our ambition is to continue the inflated adventure and bring the cattle to parks and public spaces to engage with the people of New York (and beyond)!_ _Though they are ready to wander, the cattle are limited by the hardware that allows them to inflate whenever or wherever. We have one household blower and an antique blower. Both are capable of inflating a cattle, but one, not quite finger friendly. With the Awesome Grant, we will buy the additional three fans as well as a portable power source to finally liberate the cattle from a wall outlet. In addition to the fans and battery, we will purchase additional fabric and dye to make new cattle as an addition to the Cattle family. With the help of the Awesome Grant, we can finally release the four wise cattle to wander and bring curiosity and spontaneous joy to the people of New York._ You can follow the cattle adventures on the artists' instagrams at https://instagram.com/karynaroo/ and https://instagram.com/mzlotsky/

Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) – survivor girl ukulele band project

2018-10-15T00:00:00Z

survivor girl ukulele band project: bringing restoration and hope to survivors of human trafficking through the healing power of music and love. the problem of human trafficking in india and bangladesh is the result of so many injustices in society that it can be overwhelming. what can one person possibly do? what i can do is bring a bunch of ukuleles to india and live and work inside a shelter home for rescued girls — girls who have been rescued from human trafficking and other vulnerable situations — and i can teach those girls how to play the ukulele. these girls have suffered unimaginable trauma, and they have very little education, e.g. many cannot read or write. it is common for these girls to believe that they are worthless and that they are stupid and that they can’t learn. so i meet them eye to eye, put a ukulele in their hands, and help them learn how to do something they never dreamed they could do. and in learning how to play ukulele, they also learn how to learn, they learn that they have a voice, and they learn confidence and empowerment through music. the girls have not only performed in kolkata more than a dozen times, we recently released our very own cd: "survivor girl ukulele band -- volume one." it's a huge accomplishment for the girls on the cd and an inspiration to new girls. my students have to work very hard to learn and achieve a minimum level of competence on the ukulele, but when they leave the shelter home, they go with their very own ukulele, a tuner, and a book of songs. instead of going home with nothing, they go home with music and a skill to share. no matter who they are or where they’ve been or where they will go, they now have the power of music to change their lives.

Pittsburgh, PA – Veteran Holiday Celebration

2018-10-15T00:00:00Z

Every year, we work with VA and other veteran support groups to identify veterans in need with children who otherwise would not be able to provide Chrismas due to financial struggle. The veterans and their families attend a party at our operations center. The children get their pictures taken with Santa, do holiday crafts and games while their parents "shop" for Christmas gifts. While the children are being enteratained we wrap and stash the gifts. The parents and children are then reunited to enjoy a holiday meal and caroling. In addition to the donated gifts the veterans can choose, OTA ensures that each child receive gifts they asked Santa for on their Christmas list. We serve between 80 and 100 veteran families each year. It is a wonderful experience and provides our veterans with a way to enjoy the holiday season with their families. Removing the cost burden with purchasing gifts for their children removes stress. Many of our veterans suffer from post traumatic stress, physical injuries received in combat, and face daunting challenges towards recovery. Removing this stress turns what could otherwise be a very difficult time, into a time of happiness with their families.

Amsterdam (Non-active) – Rembevorderende zebrapaden

2018-10-14T00:00:00Z

Door Bert Wouters 18 maart 2018 Door 3D zebrapaden op de wdw-straat te schilderen, komen er veilige oversteekplaatsen met afremmend effect op de drukke weg. Dit is met groot succes al gedaan in IJsland. Het probleem van trillingen in huizen aan dd Witte de Withstraat door drempels is hiermee opgelost. Het probleem van onveiligheid met oversteken wordt drastisch verminderd. Bewoners en bezoekers van de wdwstraat kunnen veiliger over straat. Tevens is het fijn voor de Amsterdammer te weten dat hun gemeente om hun geeft en veiligheid voorop stelt. Ik ben beeldend kunstenaar en reeds 10 jaar gevestigd aan de wdwstraat 144hs. Mijn voorstel is om 4 tot 5 van deze zebrapaden te schilderen, tegen een budget voor materiaal- en arbeidskosten, zo ongeveer €1000,- per zebrapad. Kosten kunnen gereduceerd worden (lang houdbare wegenverf) als een samenwerking met openbare werken wordt gecreëerd. Bert Wouters, 0621593975 Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

Ottawa – Pumpkin Alley

2018-10-14T00:00:00Z

October’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Ott Mahmud to support Pumpkin Alley, in Old Ottawa South. “Pumpkin Alley started about seven years ago as a way to bring the Old Ottawa South community together in the lead-up to Halloween,” explains Ott. “Neighbours get together in weather sunny and rainy, warm and chilly, to carve pumpkins together. On Halloween night,” she continues, “the pumpkins populate Woodbine alley between Roslyn and the new Percy Taverner Park, at the end of Carlyle. Little people, big people, artists, and newbies, our carvers sometimes create one stand-alone jack-o-lantern, or sometimes themed groups of them.” “Each year we create more masterpieces,” says Ott. “We started with 100, then 200. Last year we had 500! Can you imagine 500 pumpkins all glowing down the alley, making magic for the hundreds of trick or treaters that flock to our neighborhood? We don't really advertise – people just ‘discover’ it.” Volunteers are welcome to come out to help in the days before Halloween. Pumpkins will be gutted Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28, at noon, and carved Monday and Tuesday, October 29 and 30, at 3 PM. Lighting of the pumpkins will be at 3 PM on October 31. For more information, visit the Old Ottawa South Pumpkin Alley Facebook page. Ott helps run the before and after school program at a local school, and was previously the operator of Long Bay Arts Camp.

Amsterdam (Non-active) – Smallest Tipbook in the world.

2018-10-14T00:00:00Z

Amsterdam is a great city for tourists. There are many things to do. But when it comes to reality, most people come to Amsterdam for one need. Weed. Therefore, I can up with ‘The smallest tip book in the world’, a real tip book you could use to prepare your joint. But thats not all. Each page is provided with a tip to explore Amsterdam. Insight: When tourist come to Amsterdam, all they do for the weekend is hanging in a coffeeshop. Message: There is so much more than just the coffeeshop. Idea: The Amsterdam smallest tip book.

Los Angeles, CA – Comfy Carepacks

2018-10-11T00:00:00Z

Comfy Carepacks was created to provide homeless individuals with pets a thoughtful "carepack" that will hopefully provide a little assistance in taking care of their pet. Each carepack consist of dog food, dog bowl, waste bags, blanket and/or pillow and a chew toy and other necessities, as needed. This carepacks are given, free of charge, to individuals in need. We are hoping to partner with local churches, shelters and other non profits who provide services to pets and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Annapolis, NS (Non-active) – St George St Virtual Time Machine.

2018-10-10T00:00:00Z

Imagine if you could walk down St George St and read an info panel on every building that would contain an historical photo, the original owners historical information, and a timeline of uses. I will create 360 degree images with interactive interpretive information for 5 key locations along St George St between the Court House and The O'Dell Museum. The "Virtual Time Machine" can easily be accessible directly on local web sites such as Map Annapolis or the Town of Annapolis Royal. Directly embedded or via links. Brochures will be published to direct the public to the online experience that they can access via smart phone or tablet on site, or any computer with internet access. (The project website is an example of a "test run" if you click on the info icon on the light house you can see a draft example of an info panel.)

Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) – #iVoted

2018-10-08T00:00:00Z

#iVoted was founded by entrepreneur Emily White and Pat Sansone of Wilco. We have been activating concert venues around the country to let fans in on the U.S. national Election Day of November 6th, who shot a photo of themselves outside of their local polling place. The goal is to galvanize voter turnout, and we're up to over 50 venues in 25 states, with colleagues in Canada and France reaching out wanting to do the same for their elections. Confirmed artists performing on November 6th include Judd Apatow, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Superchunk, Mike Doughty of Soul Coughling, Drive By-Truckers, with more joining the movement every day..

Milano (Non-active) – ANOTHER SCRATCH IN THE WALL

2018-10-07T00:00:00Z

"The real voyage of discovery is not in seeking new places, but in seeing with new eyes" (M. Proust) How many times have you walked down the same streets, over and over again, without even stopping to discover the tales the walls of your city can tell? Another Scratch In The Wall Street Art Tours are here for it! Guided by journalist and Urban Art blogger Clara Amodeo, you will get to know not only the history of this cultural movement, but you will also learn to understand and appreciate the "art" behind a "scratch" in the wall. Two hours full immersion walking tours focused on a specific area or on a certain topic developed in original ways by different artists, to understand that beauty is truly everywhere... if you learn to recognize it. But this is not the end of the story. In fact, Another Scratch In The Wall is also a blog that from 2014 has been telling lovers and neophytes stories and news on the magical world of Graffiti and Street Art, in Italy and around the world: interviews, reviews, travel stories and much more enrich the pages of what, over the years, has become a real point of reference for this particular form of art. The intention of Scratch is therefore to evolve into an editorial team that, thanks to the contribution of different contributors, can present itself to the general public as a real webzine, equipped with social channels for regular publications and share. The webzine will also function as an information channel for Street Art Tours: here people will choose the theme they prefer and book it through the calendar.

Singapore – I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice cream!

2018-10-07T00:00:00Z

On a hot, humid 35C Sunday afternoon as people try to escape from the heat in a mall or panting in this concrete jungle, what better to melt away the heat and bring a smile to their faces than ice cream? I want to make 1000 people's day by giving them a free traditional Singapore icecream sandwich.

Moscow (Non-active) – В каждой избушке свои игрушки

2018-10-06T00:00:00Z

Лен являлся традиционным материалом Костромской области, к сожалению, в настоящее время многие традиции утеряны. Проект "В каждой избушке свои игрушки" представляет собой проведение творческих встреч и мастер-классов для детей и взрослых. Целями проекта являются: знакомство, в первую очередь, молодого поколения с традиционными текстильными материалами, обучение навыкам ручного труда, а также укрепление семейных связей посредством совместного творчества. Опыт работы с детьми и подростками показал, что многие из них не умеют пользоваться иголкой, даже завязывать узелки, не владеют простейшими операциями работы с тканью. В рамках проекта разработаны пять мастер-классов различной сложности по изготовлению игрушек и брошей из льняного лоскута, возраст участников от 4-5 лет и без ограничения, особенно приветствуется участие семьями. Места проведения мастер-классов - образовательные учреждения, реабилитационные центры, детские дома, а также творческие площадки на городских мероприятиях, не менее одной встречи в неделю. Важно на подобных занятиях использовать новые качественные натуральные ткани, которые не только безопасны для детей, но и полезны для здоровья. Именно таким материалом и является лен. Еще одно мероприятие проекта - творческая встреча "Кто в куклы не играл - тот счастья не видал", на котором дети и взрослые рассказывают о своих любимых детских игрушках. Особенно интересными и ценными являются рассказы, когда игрушка передается из поколения в поколение и вместе с семьей проходит через сложные периоды. Например, на одной встрече была показана игрушка, которая была в семье в блокадном Ленинграде, а сейчас находится в Костроме. Подобные встречи способствуют сплочению семей и сохранению семейных традиций.

Moscow (Non-active) – РАСсвет.

2018-10-06T00:00:00Z

РАСсвет - это центр помощи детям и взрослым с диагнозом аутизм. По официальной статистике каждый 49 ребенок имеет диагноз аутизм (2 года назад каждый 69). Вырастая, дети с аутизмом становятся абсолютно беспомощными: находятся на попечении родителей и полностью зависимы от них, подвергаются сексуальному и физическому насилию, травле в школе, не умеют общаться с окружающими людьми, проявляют нежелательные поведения - агрессию по отношению к себе и окружающим, повторяющиеся движения. После смерти родителей, став взрослыми, люди с аутизмом попадают в психиатрические больницы. Центр РАСсвет работает с детьми и взрослыми с диагнозом аутизм по методу АВА-терапии. АВА-терапия - это единственный научно - доказанный метод коррекции аутизма. Аутизм невозможно вылечить, но его можно скорректировать. Каждого клиента центра тестируют по специальным опросникам, выявляют "пробелы", составляют индивидуальную программу. По программе работает специально обученный человек - терапист, его работу курирует куратор - человек, окончивший или обучающийся АВА-терапии. Работу куратора проверяет супервизор - специалист с международным сертификатом по АВА-терапии. Это сложная система. но благодаря ей наши клиенты учатся говорить, ходить в магазин, пользоваться туалетом (к нам приходят взрослые люди, не умеющие этого делать самостоятельно), играть, одеваться и раздеваться. Это облегчает жизнь не только наших клиентов, но и их родителей. Специалисты центра работают не только с ребенком, но и с его родителями. Обучают родителей методам и приемам, по работе с ребенком. Видя результат педагогов, родители начинают применять знания, а это помогает закрепить полученный в центре результат. В России АВА-терапия начала развиваться 5 лет назад, мало центров и специалистов, оказывающих качественные услуги. В нашем городе 2 центра, работающих по методу АВА-терапии. 25 человек ждут, когда с ними начнут работать в центре РАСсвет, в другой идти не хотят (сейчас в центре занимается 28 людей с аутизмом).

Sofia (Non-active) – Gega Stage

2018-10-05T00:00:00Z

Нашата идея е да предоставим на любителите на музиката възможността да се почувстват като професионалисти и да запишат песен с видео към нея. Всичко това ще се случи с професионална техника, зад която ще стоят професионалисти от бранша. Няма да има никакви възрастови, полови и каквито изобщо би могло да има ограничения с изключение на това, че няма да допускаме професионални музиканти да участват. В какво всъщност се изразява участието? Участниците ще могат да се записват 2 седмици преди събитието. Предварителното записване е нужно за постигане на по-добра организация, както и за достигане на по-голям брой участници. По време на самото събитие (в продължение на 4 часа) всеки от записалите се ще може да изпълни една песен на нашата сцена - 2х2 кв. м. Събитието ще се проведе в центъра на София - булевард Витоша, в близост до НДК. Певците ще имат на разположение микрофон и един стерео канал с всякакви видове комутации, т.е. участникът ще може да включи каквото си пожелае - лаптоп, телефон, DJ mixer, лупър, китара, клавир и т.н. Певците ще могат да изберат и визуализацията зад тях, тъй като гърба на сцената ще е всъщност зелен екран. За снимките ще бъдат използвани две камери - една за близки и една за общ план. Всяко изпълнение ще бъде излъчвано във фейсбук където после всеки участник ще може да намери своето клипче, за да го гледа и изтегли. Всеки участник ще има само един дубъл, за да може възможно най-много хора да имат клипове. Събитието ще се проведе на 16ти септември 2018, то ще е на открито и музиката от сцената ще оглася София. Стартираме в 17:00ч. и приключваме с изпълненията на участниците - любители в 21:00ч. След това на сцената ще се качи един от любимите музиканти на широка аудитория - Димо от ПИФ (в момента сме в крайният етап по договаряне на програмата). Той ще разкаже интересни истории на събралата се публика, след което ще изсвири няколко свои парчета, преди края на събитието в 22:00ч. Заслужава си, защото музиката ще спаси света!

Newcastle – Let Kids Be Kids

2018-10-05T00:00:00Z

Our project is a youth frontiers project where Hannah and two fellow frontiers Preston Douglas and Ella Griffith, will take children out of a nearby women and children refuge for women and children suffering from domestic violence, and take them to Maryland neighbourhood centre. We will set up activities for the children to take their minds off of their current situation and to make them feel like a 'normal child' with no worries for a few hours .

Louisville, KY (Non-active) – 26th Street Waystation

2018-10-04T00:00:00Z

I purchased a vacant lot through the City’s Cut It Keep It Program and will transform the space into a Monarch Butterfly Waystation. The lot is located on 26th St between Wilson & Dumesnil where there are 9 abandoned homes and 7 vacant lots. This garden will counter blight, bring neighbors together, provide respite for Monarchs, and increase the number of pollinators which maintain our food supply. The Monarch Butterfly population is dwindling due to widespread use of pesticides and destruction of milkweed and nectar sources the butterflies depend on for sustenance. The lot will be lined with Monarch specific plants and wildflowers native to Kentucky to ensure safe migration of the Monarch across the continent.Urban farming is becoming prominent in west Louisville, increasing the amount of pollinators will help the Parkland Community Garden’s harvest at 28th & Dumesnil, the USDA high tunnel greenhouse installations, and the numerous residents who grow food, plants, and flowers in the West End. The garden futhers the mission of organizations like LouisvilleGrows which support the revitalization of west Louisville through agriculture. Game tables and benches will sit at the front of the lot inviting neighbors to butterfly watch, play chess, cards, read, learn about Kentucky foliage or just chill. Volunteers will be invited to participate in the planting and upkeep year round. A study by the University of Pennsylvania concluded access to greener spaces on vacant lots reduced feelings of depression by 40% and feelings of worthlessness by 50% in participants. The study encourages cities to adopt “low-cost but high-impact design interventions like lot greening in blighted neighborhoods”. This idea can be emulated throughout west Louisville to lessen the number of unkempt lots and give west Louisville an attraction centered around the Monarch Butterfly. Giving other Louisvillians a reason to cross 9th Street is vital to solving the prevalent race problem in our city.

Oakland, CA (Non-active) – Access-Centered Movement

2018-10-04T00:00:00Z

San Antonio, TX – Guinness World Record

2018-10-04T00:00:00Z

I have qualified to break an official Guinness World Record! Long considered the loudest person anyone has ever known, I had my students at SAY Si (a renowned non-profit arts program here in SA) shared with me the current world record for Longest Shout and I made an attempt, breaking the record. Since then Guinness have reviewed my attempt and found it legitimate, shared with me the official requirements, and approved me for an official world record attempt. However, it is expensive! For this sound-related record, a Class 1 Precision Measuring instrument is required, and that rental, plus the tech's time, cost money (see below). With your help, we can set a world record here in San Antonio. I think this is inherently and intrinsically awesome, but there are other meaningful factors to consider. My approved word to say for the world record shout is "art," as I want to give a little love to our local arts community. My venue will be either Geekdom or SAY Si, bringing some attention to these amazing local institutions. Since the initial attempt happened because of my students at SAY Si, we can put their amazing work in the spotlight, too. Plus anything that puts San Antonio on the map is awesome for all of us.

San Francisco, CA – “Our Future Is Renewable”

2018-10-03T00:00:00Z

I am planning on participating in the “California: Rise for Climate, Jobs & Justice” March in San Francisco on September 8, 2018. I have began the fabrication of an artful action titled “Our Future Is Renewable”. It consists of 15 wind turbines that are kinetic (wind activated), 30 solar panels with very subtle text on them and a text banner. It would bring together 50 people who all dressed in white, will cary the props in a choreographed manner. My intention is that at first glance, the project would read as a climate/environmental statement but,as the march is also about jobs and justice, the subtle text on the solar panels would, upon closer inspection, address a variety of social issues in addition to the environmental ones. Topics would include: fracking, immigration reform, gun reform, offshore drilling, racial bias, freedom of the press, fossil fuel dependency, LGBTQ rights, voting, clean water, reproductive autonomy, etc. I believe that Climate Change and the already visible effects on our planet is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Given the actions of the current administration to derail world/national efforts to take action on this issue, I feel that it is imperative for all of us as citizens to stand up and make our voices heard and seen with the purpose of enacting change on this front. I am not affiliated with any group. I am an artist who designs, fabricates, funds and organizes all of the projects on my own. I am looking to expand the scope of my productions and believe the Climate March would be the perfect place to so. The march will be happening all around the country but the organizers are focusing on making the SF one, the largest to coincide with the “Global Climate Summit”. As a resident of Florida, a state that is already dealing with the reality of rising sea levels, coming to California to participate with people on a local level is enormous.

San Francisco, CA – mySight (Homelessness Blinders street theater)

2018-10-03T00:00:00Z

mySight is a satirical concept art project that draws attention to solutions to the homelessness problem in San Francisco. This project pitches mySight, a new tech-forward solution to the homeless crisis. The product, a set of blinders, allows people to "solve" the homeless crisis by pretending unhoused people don't exist. Using a website, promotional video, and street performance, our satirical company uses humor to spark dialogue about real solutions, including speaking with voters about passing Prop C. At all events, supplies including water, socks, and food are distributed to unhoused people. mySight has launched product demos in front of the Twitter building and at Dolores Park, and hosted a press conference in front of City Hall. Follow mySight on Facebook to see more photos and get invitations to upcoming events!

Raleigh, NC (Non-active) – Public poem box

2018-10-03T00:00:00Z

I would like to build, install, and form an informal group of writers to curate a public poetry box placed somewhere in a high-traffic pedestrian area, along the lines of the Fox Poetry Box (https://www.facebook.com/FoxPoetryBox/) in St. Charles, IL. A single poem would be posted in the box for people to read. The poem would change regularly (once a week), and be provided in English and Spanish. The poems would largely be written by poets based in the area. The curatorial group would be inclusive across styles and communities in the area. People would quickly look forward to checking the box for a new poem, would get to know the work of the many poets in the Triangle, and would be themselves inspired to make work to appear there. Physically, it's very simple: a post with a shallow, glass-fronted, weatherproof box mounted on it. I could install solar panels in its top in order to power a small lamp to illuminate the poem at night. The poems would be printed on a small poster-sized page. Overall, the look and feel should be basic, not ostentatious. It should be wooden, painted brightly. I've not thought about a location for the box, nor bothered to speak with anyone about permissions for its location. I would love to work with VAE and/or the Office of Raleigh Arts, both of which I have strong relationships with, on a location and installation logistics. I would like to head up the curatorial group, which would be open to a lot of input from these organizations as well. This would be an open, community project. I know, from a variety of public writing projects, how much people love to encounter a single poem on their own reading terms, and how much lasting pleasure and meaning they get from that encounter. It's not just an Instagram flare; through this box, people would bring a poem into their lives permanently, a few times a year. And people who don't even call themselves poets would want to see their writing in the box too. People turn out to love poems.

San Francisco, CA – Every Record Ever Recorded

2018-10-03T00:00:00Z

Dear Awesome Foundation, There's a music podcast I've always wanted to listen to - each episode is a primer for a different genre of music. The knowledgeable and interested host has a different expert co-host (or three) each episode, and this co-host plays records and the host asks questions and they talk about what the music is, its history and major players, its culture and stories, how to listen with informed ears, and how to find more of it. After many years of searching, I have come to the conclusion that if I want to listen to this podcast, I will have to make it. I have heard the call and I am ready. Sometimes you want to get out of your bubble and explore other cultures and unfamiliar sounds and you just don't know how to start. This show will be an invitation, a road map, a field guide - an extended hand, beckoning you to dive into the warm unknown. There are friends in there, and they have some pretty sweet jams.

Rochester, NY (Non-active) – Backyard Lander

2018-10-02T00:00:00Z

The Backyard lander started with a sticker my third grade teacher gave me back in 1969. Mrs. Anderson's father was a project manager with Grumman. As students we all received a sticker as the lunar landing approached that summer. It sparked my interest and imagination! Years later, after many years in the technology field as a engineering specialist with Harris Corp. I recalled the sticker and the story behind it. I recall how my imagination was sparked at that time, I feel it was that sticker that helped grow my interest in how things work, how people can work together to grow a concept into a great piece of engineering technology. What a time to be an observer into what the efforts of more than 400,000 people can do, safely landing a man on the moon! So that is the background into what made my desire to create a backyard lander. Now flash ahead to the current time. I am involved still in the technology field for work, I am involved for the last 8 years with FIRST robotics team 340 out of Churchville NY. I have a great interest in fostering the love of design and creating in the high school and college students on the team. This combined with the approaching 50th anniversary of the lunar landing and my dream of building a half scale lunar lander was born! I see the lander as a tool to teach young and old that as we work together we can build great things, do great things. I hope that it will spark a dream to dare to think it and to make it. Great things can come from giving a young boy sticker, what can I hope to spark with a shiny half scale lunar lander! My Backyard lander will tour local and regional events to help mark the 50th anniversary of the landing, this is why I have elected to do the half scale design, it will still be more than 12 feet high but fit on a 20 foot equipment trailer. I think it will be Awesome! Bringing a smile to young and old alike...

North Minneapolis, MN – Hopewell Music Cooperative

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

Hopewell Music Cooperative North is collaborating with North United Methodist Church to create a Community Youth Center. The Youth Center will be open after school between the hours of 3-8, and will be available for any youth in the community to use — not just Hopewell students or youth connected with the church. The Youth Center will have recording equipment, computers, and industry-standard music editing software with which students can record and produce music. This space will also be a homework space, with tables where students can receive homework help from tutors. Additionally, the Youth Center will also have art supplies and materials so that the students may have the opportunity to be creative. Ideally, we would be able to provide access to a 3D printer, laser engraver, and screen printer. All of these resources will encourage creativity, foster community, and support education.

Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) – Lucky

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

The oldest daughter of a New York City taxi driver has dreams of becoming a doctor. Can the future still hold surprises even when her life has been planned for her since the age of eight? 'Lucky' is a 15-minute experimental animated documentary short that follows the real life of Lucky Kaur in the United States and in India from 2001 to 2018. Lucky comes from a religious Sikh family that takes pride in its rich Punjabi heritage. Despite only having come to Brooklyn, New York from India at the age of sixteen, Lucky learns English rapidly, excels at school, and starts to cultivate some very modern American ambitions. When her arranged marriage inches ever closer, Lucky must walk a tightrope between two cultures, as fate and tradition threaten to take her decisions away little by little. Lucky lives her life trying to simultaneously honor two very different world views until dramatic circumstances force her to finally choose between religions and cultures. "Lucky" is currently in production and is set to be completed in 2019. I am an independent animator and artist who uses a combination of hand-painted digital images, paintings, photographs, audio interviews, and actual video footage to create my narratives. I originally made an early video version of Lucky's story back in 2006 that screened in several international film festivals. However, I wanted to rework and update the story as well as completely redo the visuals as animation. In April of 2018 Lucky approached me via email asking if I would continue telling her story and show her current life as an evangelical Christian preacher in an African American church in South Carolina. It was the same week my university, American University of Myanmar was forced to close for political and financial reasons. I said yes. This film aims to highlight the tragedy of what happens when bright, young people are denied an education and how they can move forward despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Austin, TX – Indigenous Peoples Day: A Decolonial Celebration

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

Indigenous Peoples Day was formally recognized as a City of Austin holiday in 2017. We feel that centering indigenous people and sharing indigenous cosmovision, culture and traditional ecological knowledge via community building and organizing is absolutely vital to realizing a more vibrant, just and sustainable Austin. This year we are expanding the scope of our celebration in two important ways: We will be bringing our message into schools across the city in order to engage the youth in the issues and bring them closer to our active Native community. We will be inviting international indigenous peoples to participate in the presentations and celebration. This will allow us to connect our communities with the global movement of indigenous peoples. Our celebration and prayer will connect the global to the local. Where: East Austin, Texas When: Saturday, October 6th Panels and presentations 2-6 PM Celebration 7-10 PM Market 2-10 PM

Birmingham, AL (Non-active) – 5th Annual Community Toy Swap!

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

For the past 4 years I have hosted a community toy swap at my local library. The concept is simple- People bring in their used, and no longer wanted, toys and books the night before the swap. For each toy, or ziploc bag of small toys, we give them one ticket. Volunteers then organize and clean the toys as much as possible. The next morning, people return to exchange their tickets for "new" toys. I organize this around Christmas so that people who might not otherwise be able to afford Christmas presents for their children can pick out gifts. Often, people simply donate their used toys without asking for tickets. Those tickets are set aside and donated to people who need tickets. The last two hours of the swap are open to everyone- tickets or no tickets. Everything is free to anyone who needs or wants it. In the second year of the swap, I introduced door prizes. I along with some family members, friends, and local businesses donated prizes that were given away by random drawing. To qualify for the door prizes, all you have to do is participate in the swap- donate toys, exchange toys, or just take toys home. My favorite part about this is that it helps EVERYONE- People who love to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, people who just want to clean out for the holidays, people who can't afford new presents, and, most important to me, hard working people who wouldn't normally ask for help around the holidays. They feel that they're trading in things for toys and it seems to make it easier for them. The event has been held at the Gardendale Public Library for the past four years. This year, the Gardendale Civic Center has offered to host it. I estimate around two hundred people participated in the swap last year and each year dozens of people tell me how much this event helped them in their time of need. There's always so many happy tears!

State College, PA – Creators of State College

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

Julius Caesar once said, "It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life." Both of my parents are musicians; my mother never graduated college and my father dropped out in the 11th grade. Too often in their lives, they have been defined by what they do NOT have [education], rather than what they do have [albums upon albums or music THEY'VE written]. In 2010, Brandon Stanton began taking photos of New Yorkers and asking them about their stories. Since then, he has created social media accounts that have taken the world by storm, leading him to write a book about all the amazing people he has met! See: humansofnewyork.com My idea: to take this, bring it to State College and other areas, and help the public realize that there is a creator within each of us; to help people see that creators come in all shapes and sizes and that each one has a very unique perspective and history that deserves to be heard. I once asked a Radio DJ, "What are you better at than anyone else in this world?"... he replied, "Making bread." Yet, he is consistently known for his radio personality. Imagine a world where we were able to showcase just how powerful we all are, and to bring to light this fact: we are so much more than what we portray. The goal is to take 3,000 pictures/short video clips (like boomerangs on instagram) of individuals, in State College and surrounding areas, doing what they LOVE in their place of work. For instance, I plan to ask the DJ (if he is comfortable) to bring his apron and some dough to his station, and I will take a picture. Those photos/videos (with their consent) will then be uploaded to our website and social media. The final step? A block party: where each of these individuals will be invited to showcase THEIR talents. Most importantly... everyone will be invited to be who they are, and to be celebrated.

Liverpool (Non-active) – Sunday fun day

2018-10-01T00:00:00Z

Or project aims to bring wellbeing and relaxation to the residents of Walton on the hill and its surrounding neighbours. For 4 hours residents will be fully emersed in yoga, relaxation, a healthy afternoon tea and a sociable book art therapy lesson. This is a particularly deprived area of liverpool but had an incredible community of people who help and support each other consistently. It would be a wonderful joyful experience for them to reward themselves with some much needed and we'll deserved rest and relaxation. All the people involved in our project are local businesses, from our Yoga Teacher (both floor based and chair so everyone's can have a go) to our healthy foods cforbidding providing a traditional indulgent afternoon tea. Our entertainment providing the opportunity to have a dance then finishing with some mindful book art can be kept add a momentum or given away as a gift.

Raleigh, NC (Non-active) – SOAPBOX

2018-09-30T00:00:00Z

SOAPBOX is a group public performance that will take place in downtown Durham on October 19, 2018, Third Friday. This work will feature orations by twelve actors standing atop a circle of soapboxes, an all-female chorus, original live music, and a celebratory community procession. Text and imagery will zero in on twelve “American Archetypes” that will be the basis for each oration. The company and I will spend the next two months developing the script. My aim is to create twelve monologues that reflect human dignity inside the melting pot of viewpoints in our country right now, and to construct a dynamic snapshot of America through our local community's eyes and experiences. The performance will begin at the intersection of Main and Chapel Hill Streets in downtown Durham, where our company will invite passersby to participate in our procession. We will parade down the sidewalk to CBC Plaza, to a circle of soapboxes where actors will “take the stage” and deliver their orations. Standing inside this circle will be the music ensemble and women’s chorus, periodically injecting their responses into the actors’ performances. The chorus and additional volunteers will operate visual elements -- inflatable scenery, large pictographs, and lightweight puppets. The idea is to create an engaging, cacophonous, pulsating, group "organism". SOAPBOX will be a festive, visually interesting, and thought-provoking spectacle, where each audience member will see and hear a different message, based upon their own perspective and upon their individual movement around the periphery of the company organism. The work will present an energetic portrait of the local community’s— and America’s— varying perspectives, and is intended to encourage us to listen to one another, and to tolerate and even celebrate our differences during this period of communal change.

Disability – Persons with Disabilities Comedy Showcase

2018-09-30T00:00:00Z

The Symposium: Academic StandUp is a monthly show that uses comedy to educate the public about research, science and social justice issues. This monthly interdisciplinary comedy show trains academics to take the stage alongside professional comedians. Together they teach the audience something to laugh and think about through standup comedy. Past shows have included specials about #NastyWomen, a show about fierce women and women of color in history, Brain Awareness Week — which featured comedy from researchers studying neuroscience and brain cancer alongside comedians who have suffered brain injuries. The Symposium: Academic StandUp also hosts comedy and storytelling workshops (primarily for minorities) to give individuals new skills to better share their stories, perspectives, and lived experiences to the world. Recently, The Symposium: Academic StandUp partnered with Science Gallery Labs Detroit for a “Hustle” themed show and workshops to celebrate the resilient community and history of Detroit. On Sunday, October 14th, The Symposium will host a special Persons with Disabilities Comedy Showcase featuring performers with disabilities to celebrate their perspectives and life experiences. We'll also provide workshops for persons with disabilities to develop their storytelling and standup comedy talents in preparation for the show. We are partnering with a new accessible venue in NYC called Caveat. They are interested in learning how to create accessible programs and engage diverse publics. We will be using the funds to make the show as accessible to audiences as possible as well as provide workshops and rehearsal time for the performers so they can be comfortable navigating the new space on the night of the performance. This show is about celebrating diverse experiences, fighting for representation, and raising up under-appreciated perspectives. What our grantee is saying: "I'm so excited to be able to use the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter's grant to [1] showcase the wonderful perspectives of a diverse group of performers with disabilities and [2] demonstrate and learn how to better produce supportive, accessible live shows. As a gatekeeper for opportunities and a fellow minority, I am so conscious of how important diversity and representation is on any given platform, be it live on a stage or on digital media. It is so important for minorities to experience our own likeness reflected on a stage, but even more powerful is feeling like our diverse perspectives and lived experiences are represented and worthy of a spotlight. I am thrilled to partner with the disability community to create an evening of comedy and celebration for underrepresented artistic, comedic performers. Making a comedy show by the community for this community would not be possible without this grant, so I thank you so much for this chance from the bottom of my heart."

Minas Gerais (Non-active) – Human Prospects in the era of AI

2018-09-30T00:00:00Z

***PERSPECTIVAS HUMANAS NA ERA DA IA*** Não há dúvida de que a Quarta Revolução Industrial já está acontecendo e cabe a nós (empresas, governos e sociedade) dar o tom dessa mudança para difundir a riqueza em vez de aumentar a exclusão. Este é um tópico que me interessa muito, especialmente quando se trata de suas implicações para o trabalho - que é o assunto dos meus estudos pessoais. Como é uma questão sobre a qual estou constantemente lendo, o Linkedin me sugeriu um artigo relacionado a ele. Foi quando conheci o Peter Drucker Challenge, apenas cinco dias antes do prazo de envio de artigos. O tema deste ano foi “Como se manter humano em uma sociedade robótica” e foi anunciado no início de março, com prazo previsto para 24 de junho. É uma competição de redação que avalia os insights do participante sobre o tema. Havia duas categorias: uma para estudantes e outra para profissionais / gerentes em que eu estava competindo. Embora eu tivesse apenas 5 dias para escrever o meu ensaio, decidi aproveitar a oportunidade e trabalhei duro nisso. Fiquei muito feliz quando vi que eu estava entre os 20 finalistas, sendo o único a representar o meu país. Como finalista, recebi acesso gratuito ao Fórum Peter Drucker, onde eles estarão discutindo como a IA está mudando os negócios e a maneira como trabalhamos. É uma grande oportunidade para eu aprender mais sobre esta questão que é, com certeza, um dos principais desafios do nosso tempo. O Prêmio Awesome Foundation MG me ajudará a cobrir as despesas de viagem para participar do 10º Fórum Global Peter Drucker. O fórum acontecerá de 28 de novembro a 30 de novembro em Viena, na Áustria. É um dos principais congressos de gestão na Europa. Também se destina a premiar os vencedores e finalistas do Desafio Peter Drucker, que estão isentos da taxa de inscrição para participar do evento. ====================== Eu sou uma jovem de 29 anos que é apaixonada pela aprendizagem. Sou formada em Relações Internacionais com MBA em Negócios Internacionais e em Logística. Eu trabalho como Gerente de Comércio Internacional na Ibetex Import and Export. Lá eu pude começar a ver os efeitos (positivos e negativos) que a automação e a digitalização têm no ambiente de trabalho. Então decidi estudar mais sobre esse fenômeno para descobrir como podemos ajudar as pessoas a se adaptarem a essa nova era.

Aviano (Non-active) – Aviano Cleanup Agenda

2018-09-30T00:00:00Z

We want to clean up and paint some tawdry areas of Aviano that need some sprucing up.

Gloucester, MA – Wildlife supplies for Cape Ann Wildlife

2018-09-28T00:00:00Z

Cape Ann Wildlife inc has been rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in Gloucester for 15 years. Over the last few years Caw has mentored several new rehabilators and succeeded in getting 3 new permitted wildlife rehabbers in Glouceste, Caw does its best to help other rehabbers with the supplies needed for successful treatmentns to save wildlife and return them to wild. We would use this grant to feed and house inured and orphaned wildlife along with purchasing medication, educational materials and conferences, necessary veterinary care, feeding utensils and wound care. Thank you so much for your consideration. Jodi Swenson

Leiden – Horrornacht Leiden #4

2018-09-27T00:00:00Z

Horrrornacht Leiden, een spooktocht door heel Leiden waarin Leidenaren andere Leidenaren zich de pleuris laten schrikken. Rondom de vloek van de gezusters de Keyzer wordt een mooi en intrigerende toch gecreërd welke door zowel stad, bos alsmede over water zal gaan. Aan het begin van de avond een toch voor kinderen en later op de avond voor grote mensen. Met op het einde om 0.00 uur een meet & greet met alle spoken.

Ann Arbor, MI – Woman Activist Incabator Retreat

2018-09-27T00:00:00Z

Women Activists Incubator Retreat The Women Activists Incubator Retreat is for female, including self-identifying female activists to recharge and reinvigorate in the company of other women who are out on the front lines. This retreat is offered free-of-charge to women activists. Our intention is to provide inspiration, rest, and retreat for women who are on the frontlines and to cultivate a space for connecting and collaborating. About the Women Activists Incubator Retreat This retreat will support social justice work that defends and lifts up the human rights of all people and reverses the harm being done to our planet. We will encourage and inspire each other to strengthen our action together. Each woman will have an opportunity for her work to be the focus of the group, providing time for brainstorming and strategizing as well as addressing the personal challenges that arise from this work, supporting each woman in her continued development of skills to stay committed and fulfilled. We will focus on strategizing ways to inspire and motivate others to join forces with your action. In addition to activating and inspiring, we will hold a space for being, for listening, for uplifting, for loving. This retreat is offered free-of-charge to women activists thanks to individual and organizational sponsors like you! Patricia Fero and Lauren Tatarsky (bios on right side panel) are offering a unique opportunity to directly support women who are out on the front lines for various movements on a daily basis. They have organized a 3-day retreat that will provide support and rejuvenation for women who are devoting their lives to organizing and activism. These are women who are championing various causes that require powerful action. Scholarships will be provided by funders who wish to support this crucial work.

Oahu, HI – A Special Halloween Party for Special Needs Keiki

2018-09-27T00:00:00Z

Our Awesome Project is to host a special needs Halloween Dance Party for high school students and young adults with disabilities. There is an underserved and growing population of keiki and young adults with developmental disabilities like autism and down syndrome. Over 14% of graduating students have some type of special need. (cdc.gov) Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and now affects 1 in 59 individuals. To build an more inclusive community and show love to our disabled youth, Hawaii Autism Foundation (HAF) and Kahumana hosted its first halloween party last year which was a huge success. There were 89 pre-registered guests from special needs families and over 120 people in attendance. For the 2018 party, we think the number will grow to 150 attendees from special needs ohana at a cost around $10.50 per person. The party will be hosted on church grounds where HAF & Kahumana Learning Center (KLC) runs an adult day health program. The grant money will go towards: -Buying light dinner food, healthy side dishes, finger foods, water, soft drinks and juice. - Purchasing more decor. The Ice Place let us borrow Halloween decorations and we will reuse some supplies from last year, but we need more decor to fill the room. - Supplying candy for “Trunk & Treat.” Volunteers are decorating car trunks and handing out candy from their trunks. - Purchasing games so attendees can play on a break from dancing. Testimonies: One young man entering the party looked around at the kids & shouted out with joy “they’re all JUST LIKE ME”. He kept saying it with a sense of wonder. Some parents shared their keiki hadn't attended a social event in years.

Yerevan – Մուտքը պլաստիկով, ապակյա տարայով կամ թղթով

2018-09-26T00:00:00Z

Գեղարքունիքի մարզի Դպրաբակ գյուղում արդեն մեկ ամիս է գործում է համայնքային խնդիրների կրեատիվ լուծման կենտրոն, որի մասնակիցները մի խումբ նպատակասլաց երիտասարդներ ու պատանիներ են: Մենք ունենք մի թիմ, ով ավանդական դարձած խնդիրների համար կփորձի գտնել ոչ ավանդական լուծումներ: Մեր տաղանդավոր թիմի անդամները կարողանում են նկարել, գործել, թատրոնում խաղալ, միջոցառումներ կազմակերպել: Մենք որոշել ենք օգտագործել մեր կարողությունները և Դպրաբակ գյուղում վերամշակման ենթակա աղբի մենաշնորհը վերցնել մեր ձեռքը :))) Հիմա կասեմ, թե ինչպես: Մենք կկազմակեպենք մշակութային միջոցառումներ /թատերական ներկայացում, ֆիլմի դիտում, ժամանցային, սպորտային, ինտելեկտուալ խաղեր, նկարչական խմբակներ/, դե իսկ միջոցառումներին մասնակցել ցանկացողները պետք է դրա դիմաց վճարեն, բայց ոչ թե գումարով, այլ աղբով: Հավաքված պլաստիկի, թղթի, ապակյա տարաների մի մասը կօգտագործենք այլընտրանքային ձևով, իսկ մնացած մասը կհանձնենք վերամշակման, ստացված գումարներն էլ կներդնենք ծրագրի իրականացման շրջանակը ընդլայնելու և շարունակական դարձնելու համար:

Tallahassee, FL (Non-active) – CCYS Youth Advisory Council

2018-09-25T00:00:00Z

CCYS is establishing a Youth Advisory Council who will collaborate with staff members to inform agency policies, procedures and outreach efforts. The inaugural Youth Advisory Council will be charged with the task of offering a youth-centered approach for CCYS, in addition to conducting a service project of their choosing and volunteering alongside CCYS in the community. Having a youth-centered approach is vital, as it will not only ensure that CCYS is providing the best possible care to youth and families receiving services but also help the agency do so in a way that appeals to our clients. Members of the Youth Advisory Council will be invited to volunteer at CCYS events such as our annual Sleep Out, Family Appreciation Event, Breakfast Outreach and Meals on Wheels outreach throughout their service year. This will allow youth an opportunity to experience our mission firsthand while learning how CCYS impacts the lives of their peers. Furthermore, it will give youth the necessary knowledge to provide feedback on the many program and services at CCYS. The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of a diverse group of students ages 12-21, who attend either a Leon County School, are homeschooled or enrolled in a Tallahassee college or University. Members will meet bi-monthly during their service year to discuss an array of topics including diversity, community engagement, and activism. Youth Advisory Council Members will also hear from various guest speakers including CCYS staff, board members and community leaders during their service year in efforts of helping YAC members develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and self-awareness. At the end of the service year, CCYS will offer two $500.00 scholarships to members selected by their peers and staff members. Members will also vote to nominate their peers for various awards to be given out at the end of the year. Youth will be invited to serve an additional year if they choose.

Adelaide – Embracing the Blues

2018-09-25T00:00:00Z

I have formed a band called “Hatrick“. The members are almost all mature-aged people who have overcome mental illness, poverty and homelessness to become a successful blues/rock band. There are currently 5 members in the band. We are currently employed as resident musicians at the Port Dock hotel in Port Adelaide. The hotel recently closed for renovations. My aim is to expand the membership of the group and secure regular employment across metropolitan and country areas for the survivors of mental illness. Music is known to have a positive impact on mental health. Music plays a major part in most peoples lives. It provides a power tool that can help us to feel positive and strong. Making music together is a great way for people to feel connected. Songs can remind us of good times as well as motivate and inspire us. The members of “Hatrick” have purchased their instruments and achieved a close to professional standard in their performance. I am currently borrowing a PA system from friends. In order to expand and maintain our professional standard I need to have a good quality PA system which is always available to the “Hatrick“ Band.

Portland, OR – Podcasting Program

2018-09-25T00:00:00Z

For the last few years, I have been running programs for Step It Up Inc. Step It Up provides career resources to homeless and at-risk youth around Portland. This fall we launched a new podcasting program that provides valuable career skills to young people in the St Johns neighborhood. Over the next few months, 10 young people will be working to create, produce, and publish several episodes of a podcast. Students in this program will learn valuable life and career skills like: - Public Speaking -Marketing -Self Confidence -Interviewing -Networking In addition to learning valuable job skills, each student will be able to creatively express themselves through storytelling, writing, and design.

Sydney – DesignAbility

2018-09-25T00:00:00Z

What we already have : *10 second hand sewing machines, * a Designer who is willing to teach the women basics of pattern making and sewing. * Material, yarn, thread etc.. just ready to be used * Patterns - brand new * Up cycle clothing and give them a new life- donated by others or stores as end of stock. * Make grocery bags/ cushions/aprons etc.. made out of remnants and left over off cuts What we can source/buy: * Donated Evening Wear that could be hired out to generate revenue * Donated Wedding Dresses and Formal Hire * Doing Alternations, and charging for it.( person gets a % of the fee and the rest of the money goes back into the project to cover costs ) * Computerised Embroidery Sewing machine- to charge for writing names/ initials on clothing/hats etc. We plan to run this project to skill these women so they would become financially independent in a period of 12 months.( Basic Design/Cutting/Sewing ), We then get a new batch of students each year to retrain them. This will also reduce the landfill as many clothing goes to waste. Not only does it empower women, it will also create designer fashion from remnants and other off cuts that would have otherwise gone to waste. This would also encourage young youth to come and board and model the designs in a Fashion Runway. Items will also be sold via an online market.

Utrecht – Outsider Art Outside

2018-09-25T00:00:00Z

Met Outsider Art Outside wil ik talent van Utrechtse “outsider” kunstenaars - kunstenaars met een beperking door autisme, het syndroom van Down of psychiatrische beperkingen - tonen aan heel Utrecht door een street art openluchtexpositie van hun bijzondere werk. Ik ben geïnspireerd geraakt door een vergelijkbaar initiatief in Rotterdam en wil nu vrolijke kunst en kunstenaars tonen aan Utrecht en direct een aantal lelijke kale muren onder handen nemen en omtoveren tot pareltjes in de stad. Persoonlijk maak ik mij sterk om mensen met een (groter) risico om buiten de samenleving te komen te staan, toch te betrekken, op een manier die bij hen past. Ik geloof er heilig in dat we een krachtige samenleving kunnen vormen, wanneer je mensen hun talenten (ongeacht culturele, psychische, fysieke of economische achtergrond) optimaal benut. Outsider Art Outside is daar een prachtig voorbeeld van.

Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) – The FEmale Foundry

2018-09-24T00:00:00Z

I, and a team of other women, are starting a non-profit fine art foundry in the state of Arkansas that focuses on two goals. 1. Providing metal working resources and art enrichment for the local communities in Arkansas and 2. Creating opportunities for female metal workers from all over the nation to support their careers as professional artists. The FEmale Foundry became the solution to a problem I noticed once my friends in the sculpture program at the University of Central Arkansas graduated and found themselves being in limbo. There is no public art foundry in this state and they no longer had access to the facilities that fostered their talent in metal work. Therefore the choices they had were to either move away and take their talents with them, create in mediums that are more accessible materials from hobby stores, or ultimately stop creating artwork and finding a different career path. This transition is especially difficult as a female sculptor. It is extremely difficult to be taken seriously by those outside of the art educational sphere. This is a ever growing movement of women taking on metal working careers because of the opportunities that have been presented to them. We want continue this movement and be a source of learning, support, and empowerment for female metal workers all over the nation. Currently, the foundry has no location, no furnace (we team up with UCA to have iron pours, but that can't last forever), and no major funding (Right now its funded by students and recent graduates). But it has been creating interest in the iron casting community and with local artists that are excited to play with fire and metal.

Alaska (Non-active) – KONR 106.1 LPFM - Transmitter

2018-09-24T00:00:00Z

Out North started out as a theatre company focusing on LGTBQ advocacy in 1984. Over its three decades, it has produced nationally recognized performance art, been a gallery space, a community center, and an arts incubator. In 2001, Out North applied for and received permission to develop a low power FM radio station. It was a brief window and we were one of two applicants in the state of Alaska to be awarded a license. That window is unlikely to ever return. It took us nearly 10 years to develop that license into a frequency, KONR 106.1 LPFM. The station has been in operation since 2010, volunteer run on donated equipment. In lean periods we've hooked an ipod up to the tower and broadcast 6 months of Bill Withers or Joe Frank. It is a scrappy, tenacious part of Out North that we cherish. In 2017 Out North gave its building to Cyrano's. They moved to the Airport Heights and we moved downtown, where we setup shop in the 4th Avenue Market Place. With new found space and partnerships, Out North and its radio station have flourished. Currently, our broadcast station has 20+ live DJ's, a tremendous amount of local content, and a thriving volunteer base. Unfortunately, our transmitter crapped out on us while back. We are currently broadcasting at 1/4 power on a borrowed device. KONR can still be heard all over Anchorage, but the signal is weak. As an organization and community, we've been steadily raising money to try and purchase a replacement. As of the end of August, we're about 1000 dollars shy. We need a little push to get over the hill!

Kingston – Loving Hands Kingston Ontario

2018-09-24T00:00:00Z

We are a group of individuals that work in collaboration with nonprofit agencies and local Kingston shelters. In working directly with shelters this helps to take the guess out of the guessing game as to who is really in need. All the work we do is strictly through volunteers who appreciate giving back to our community. We help to address the needs of local shelters with providing them with toiletries, feminine hygiene products, snacks, clothing for adults and children, daily used items such as towels, cutlery etc. In addition we also assist shelter residents into their own homes by providing clothing, household items, furniture and in some cases baby and children items. We find that the bridge between people leaving shelters and gaining their own residence is very difficult and we try to do our best to make the transition as comfortable and smooth as possible. We are constantly accepting donations of clothing, housewares, toiletries, children and baby items as well as non-perishable food, snacks and drinks. During Christmas time we provide blessing bags filled with a variety of toiletries, snacks, individual hot drink mixes for each shelter resident. We also gather wish lists from shelter residents with the assistance of staff which state items that they would wish to receive. Considering we are a central linking station to all community shelters this helps to secure confidentiality and security while providing residents with the essentials to get back on their feet again. We care and believe that everyone should have the basic necessities warmth, hygiene and food and have noticed that these items have a tremendous impact on a person’s life.

Washington, DC – Concerto on the River

2018-09-24T00:00:00Z

Concerto on the River is a collaborative project between artists Chad Cunha and Johann C. Muñoz. The project consists of a live classical music performance in which musicians perform along the bridge between Kingman Island and Heritage Island over the Anacostia River. The musicians will perform separately from one another with varying distances between them, pushing sonic boundaries and physically opening space for the audience to freely move around the musicians. Traditional performance platforms create a hierarchy between the performer and the audience -- the performer controls not only the sounds, but also the manner by which the performance is observed. Shifting the location of the performers in relation to one another and the audience, as well as the venue, even the time of day, and the duration of the performance, we aim to transform the normative performative model to offer the audience a new and more equitable experience. This unorthodox performance of classical music will be something to be remembered for attendees. The idea that audience members can walk in between the musicians and decide which way to face, where to walk, how to watch, will give each audience member decision making power not usually offered to them. The placement on the bridge, as well, offers an special space for a performance. It’s not on solid ground, but rather suspended in the air above the Anacostia River.

Miami, FL – Debris Maze Challenge

2018-09-21T00:00:00Z

Our public spaces are trashed. Debris is everywhere and it is threatening our environment, self-preservation, and physical and mental health. We can improve our situation! The Debris Maze Challenge will raise awareness of the dangers of single-use plastics through an interactive and fun art installation. The maze is made up of cagelike walls filled with debris collected from Biscayne National Park, where it will be hosted for the month of April 2019. In its time at the park, the maze will be a signature feature for Earth Day and incorporated into the park’s last Family Fun Fest for the year. Both programs will facilitate extensive reach of the exhibit. Eco-artists will display their work in the dead ends incorporated into the maze in order to connect more advocates in a single setting. After time spent navigating the maze, visitors will exit into an area where there will be a call-to-action and each participant will be asked/challenged to commit to debris-reducing habits. The maze will achieve the following: - Create tangible and immediate change by collecting trash from local parks. - Make a public space cleaner. - Modify people's relationship with plastic. - Build community through volunteerism and bonding over nature. **Please note, the image attached below is similar to what I envision the project to look like, but it is not my image.

Miami, FL – A Plant in Every Classroom

2018-09-21T00:00:00Z

Children spend approximately six hours or more every day in a classroom. To make the benefits of plants available in public schools, my project “A Plant in Every Classroom” will make it easy for teachers to request and receive a plant free of charge. Studies show that plants increase focus and attention. A year-long study at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England, found that students demonstrate 70% greater attentiveness when they're taught in rooms containing plants. In the same study, attendance was also higher for lectures given in classrooms with plants. (Amanda Read (2005) Royal Agriculture College in England). Together, let’s bring the benefits and beauty of plants to children across Miami-Dade County.

Newmarket – Food for Thought

2018-09-21T00:00:00Z

Food for Thought makes lunches for underprivileged elementary school students in Newmarket. Our group of Newmarket High School (NHS) student volunteers meets on Wednesday afternoons to assemble lunches that are delivered on Thursday mornings by Access Newmarket. Cobs Newmarket donates bread weekly. Each lunch has a sandwich and a snack. Each snack consists of a juice box, an apple, carrots, celery, and cookies. Last school year we made 1360 sandwiches and 1564 snacks. This year we will make 40 lunches and 6 snacks each week, though we are planning to expand our program to allow for more participating schools. It is important to the participants because it relieves financial stress for low-income families. We allow underprivileged people who are food insecure to get access to healthy food, which is a large concern for low-income families. A healthy lunch improves focus, helping students to learn and retain information better. This program also gives amazing opportunities to our high school volunteers. For many students, Food for Thought gives a new sense of charity and community as they give their time to help elementary school students in the Newmarket area. As well,the volunteers take on new responsibilities and gain invaluable leadership and teamwork skills through assembling the lunches, buying the food, and coordinating with amazing sponsors like you! Food for Thought could not run without the contributions of our generous donors.

Orlando, FL – Kaleidoscope Venue For The Arts Live Channel

2018-09-20T00:00:00Z

The project is to create a Live Streaming Channel through Twitch.TV's Creative Platform. Twitch.TV is owned by Amazon.com and is branching out to include channels for Creatives, growing a network similar to YouTube but providing more opportunities to generate income. The goal is to create segments featuring Artist Interviews, Live Painting and Live Streaming of Art Shows to bring a broader audience to the artists in Central Florida, especially those who are participating in shows at Kaleidoscope Venue For The Arts. The Channel would also help support the gallery through 4 features: -Subscriptions -Art Sales through the Chat Room -Sponsors and -'Tipping'- watchers in the chat room can purchase 'bits' and use them to 'tip' during a segment to show support for the segment or the artist. This allows watchers to show support, even if they don't want to commit to purchasing a painting or commit to a monthly subscription. All these features are handled through the Twitch.TV platform. The Channel would provide a pathway for the artists to reach a local, national and international audience, live. Artists can interact with the audience in the chat room, allowing people to comment on their work, offer to buy the work or ask questions that the artist can answer in real time. As the audience grows, this will allow the art show and the artists involved to reach many more people than a traditional art show, because people don't have to actually attend, just simply tune in. Kaleidoscope Venue For The Arts hosts art shows every week, with different themes and one a month with an all inclusive theme. This format allows for a minimum of a weekly broadcast to present the artists of the Central Florida area to anyone who has internet access.