Awesome Foundation - Projecten

Liverpool (Inactief) – DPG does North End Sketch Club at the Irish Centre

2021-04-30T00:00:00Z

Dead Pigeon Gallery will deliver two North End Sketch Club events at The Irish Centre Liverpool in Summer 2021. We will also buy a much needed cart to transport art materials to future North End Sketch Clubs and fill it with great materials that will last for many future events. Since its launch in Stanley Park in April 2018, Jayne Lawless has run North End Sketch Club at venues across North Liverpool and will soon be running sessions with Fans Supporting Foodbanks at its mobile pantry. The beauty of NESC is that it is portable, it can go anywhere and work with anyone, from those who’ve never sketched in their lives, to established artists. Being a ‘club’ rather than a course, leads to a laid back approach, so anyone can drop in at any stage. There’s no ‘teaching structure’, instead the sessions respond to the environment and the group itself. The sessions at The Irish Centre will be free and all materials will be provided. The Irish Centre is a community and social hub at the heart of the Irish community in Merseyside. Their mission is to promote Irish heritage and culture, provide a space for this to happen and support members of the Irish Community in doing so, as well as serving the wider community, seeking to bring people from all backgrounds together. DPG is developing a relationship with The Irish Centre and we’ve already planned a ticketed evening event in June 2021 to get the public interested in this new collaboration. The Awesome grant would give us the opportunity to deliver two further half day North End Sketch Club events, open to anyone and free of charge. This will test the viability for delivering more NESC sessions and future collaborative work with The Irish Centre.

Gloucester, MA – ONESTOP Harm Reduction Center/NSHP

2021-04-29T00:00:00Z

We are a public health Harm Reduction Center who work alongside people who inject and use drugs along with their social networks & loved ones. We are participant led in offering confidential and free harm reduction services both onsite/outreach for Gloucester & Cape Ann--we have been open throughout the entirety of the pandemic for takeout/deliveries and weekly outreach for sterile supplies, providing HIV/HCV/STI testing and Overdose Prevention/Narcan distribution as well as holding space when most other services in the city were not available particularly for people who use substances. We offer health education, safety planning, linkages to healthcare, including linking people living with HCV to treatment, linkage to PrEP/PEP, referrals to treatment and BUP/Methadone referrals when identified by participants, transportation to treatment, basic needs and we believe that harm reduction is love and any positive change should be celebrated loudly! We arranged COVID testing for our community members who were at a specific risk working within the frontline of the city through NSCHC early on and plan on working towards offering vaccinations as well to those who are distrustful of healthcare systems for reasons inclusive of stigma and shame. Our program also provides wound & abscess care supplies, substance use education, safer injection practices/health care and offers basic health initiatives for those who are not ready to access the ER or a PCP. We offer harm reduction as an act of love and to keep people alive, safe and well as the experts in their own lives and work as community collaborative advocates to support the best access to a long term continuum of care for community members and understand the importance of relationship building and autonomy in working alongside people without agenda. We have an amazing community who save one another's lives regularly and look out for one another with such grace and are advocates themselves in our community advocacy board.

New York City, NY – Carbon Sponge

2021-04-29T00:00:00Z

**[Watch the Carbon Sponge pitch video](https://vimeo.com/537061902) then learn more about the project in their own words below:** _Carbon Sponge started in 2018 with a question: what could carbon farming look like in New York City and how can anyone track the increase or decrease of carbon in soil over time?_ _Carbon sequestration in soil as a means to mitigate climate change and improve soil health has become newsworthy lately; even President Biden has called upon farmers to lead the way in offsetting greenhouse gas emissions through regenerative agriculture techniques. But what can we do in the city?_ _According to the New York City Soil Survey, 36.2% of NYC is already covered by soil and this does not include rooftop gardens. NYC is home to over 550 community gardens and another 700 gardens and three urban farms in NYC public housing. Carbon Sponge is a group of artists, scientists, agroecologists, community gardeners and educators based in NYC dedicated to participatory science and transparency in research as well as using art to engage broad audiences._ _We established a pilot Carbon Sponge garden in 2018 at the New York Hall of Science to study how various plant combinations and cultivation techniques can impact the amount of carbon retained in urban soil over time. This is in partnership with CUNY Grad Center's Advanced Science Research Center. Simultaneously, we are developing a kit to allow anybody to get an easy, quick and affordable read on carbon in soil. We have led workshops, tours, museum demonstrations and more to share our work and bring people into the conversation. We built a second pilot at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn in 2019 and tested the kit with five existing green spaces in 2020, forming a network of carbon farming land stewards throughout the city._ The Awesome Foundation grant will be used to purchase necessary materials to expand our pilot to include **two new NYC community sites in 2021**!

Kitchener-Waterloo – Red Raccoon Bike Rescue

2021-04-29T00:00:00Z

In the summer of 2020, a group of caring bike mechanics came together as a response to a gap in accessible bicycle repair and maintenance caused by the pandemic. We set up in Victoria Park every Saturday, performing small repairs and maintenance for free. At a time when so many people were hit the hardest, this valuable resource was needed for underserved community members who may not be able to afford to have their bicycle repaired at a regular bike shop. It felt good to be helping the community and doing what we love again, fixing bikes. Every mechanic involved in Red Raccoon Bike Rescue (formerly Kitchener Bike Rescue) knows the benefit and freedom of a bicycle. From affordable transportation to improved mental and physical health. We want everyone to have that opportunity. Another benefit we noticed for ourselves and the community was the social aspect of our open-air mechanic service. It was good to connect with people again, even if it had to be at a distance. The pandemic continued, and so did we! Branching out to St. John’s Kitchen for regular repair drop ins on most Mondays. We offered our services at House of Friendship, and OneRoof. At OneRoof we also taught youth bicycle repair, empowering them to maintain their own bicycles and the bicycles of others. This spring we are getting ready to start again and we have big hopes and ambition that we can reach as many people as possible by growing our volunteer base, hiring summer students, and widening our range to other parts of the Region, like Cambridge. We love our community, working together and making positive change in people’s lives.

Homelessness (Inactief) – Shelter for female victims of trafficking

2021-04-29T00:00:00Z

In recent months, we have seen an increase in the number of women with children in the Charlotte area who need shelter after being rescued from the horrors of human trafficking. These families come to us with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The majority of these women struggle with multiple emotional and psychological traumas. Paula’s Story – Paula (not her real name) was sex trafficked by her own boyfriend and was forced to have sex with up to 30 strangers a day. She gave birth to five children while being enslaved and was not allowed to see them unless she met her quota for the day. If it weren't for the FBI rescuing her and her family, these innocent children would have been trafficked just like her. Fortunately, they were brought to our program in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they received the care they needed to heal, become restored, and feel inspired to live fruitful lives. After going through intense care in our program, our Paula was able to sustain employment, further her education and obtain independent housing for her and her children. Once surviving, to now thriving! Our RISE (Restore, Inspire, Strengthen & Empower) Program promotes our mission by providing a holistic, integrative, trauma-focused array of programs and services over a period of 12 months to guests such as Paula. These services include secure housing, food, crisis counselling, case-management, connections to medical/dental/eye care, mental health services, healthy relationships, immigration relief, life skills training, education, employment readiness and after care. Our services are person centered and the major goal is to promote healing and recovery. Due to the complex need of our guests our program has four phases. Each guest moves through each phase at their own pace depending on their needs. 1. restoration and healing 2. pathways to self-sufficiency, education and employment 3. transitioning to a safe housing alternative 4. aftercare and follow up

New York City, NY – DIY Assistive Tech for the Masses!

2021-04-28T00:00:00Z

**[Watch the DIY Assistive Tech pitch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN_ua72fqAA) then learn more about the project in their own words below:** _Assistive technology (AT) is often described as any device, service or technique that aids an individual with a disability in gaining their independence. Only sad part... commercial AT is EXPENSIVE! AT users may have visual disabilities, or struggle with motor weakness or coordination which limit their ability to complete their daily tasks. AT tools range from low tech such as a universal cuff which makes holding a fork easier, to mid tech switches that help turn appliances on and off up to high tech switch interface which allow a user to interact with a computer or tablet._ _Luckily, with the growth in the affordability of 3D printers and microcontrollers as well as the adoption of the open source philosophy, AT no longer has to be out of reach. Makers Making Change (www.makersmakingchange.com) is a non profit organization which aims to connect makers, disability professionals, and AT users to create a platform where a user may access AT no matter their income or geographical location. And the NYC chapter would like to help._ _We are starting an NYC-based lending library of DIY AT equipment. We will be running multiple hackathon events to build up a library of most commonly used projects for the purpose of loaning them out to New Yorkers in need._ The Awesome Foundation grant will will help purchase 3D printing filament, microcontrollers, PCB boards, and other components that are used in creating switches and other AT devices. Funds may also be used to replenish the lending library inventory in cases where users require long term use of the devices but do not have the means to individually obtain them.

New York City, NY – "Leave some for me"

2021-04-27T00:00:00Z

**[Watch the "Leave Some For Me" pitch video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Fr7XqSWllb_xZdksUgAoKyvh_jKjtZI/view) then learn more about the project in the artist's own words below:** _This project will conduct youth community workshops in my neighborhoods of Queens Village and Hollis. I will work with middle to high school students and use art and activism to draw attention to the ongoing litter problem and illegal dumping happening in our area._ _The intended creative output will be community-led digital poster designs depicting the youth's vision of developing their neighborhood. The posters will be printed and placed on the walls near heavily littered streets and with a lot of foot traffic._ _This project encourages civic engagement because it shows youths that their voice matters in defining their community's future. It also reminds adults that their actions affect younger generations, and thus, they should strive to think long term when making political or policy decisions that will affect us all for many years to come._ _During the workshops, kids will brainstorm solutions to addressing over-consumption, improper disposing of trash, and reflecting on the impact of litter on their well-being and how they and their guardians can make a difference. The creative process will provide writing prompts and artistic guidance to help youth harvest and develop their vision._ _"Leave some for me" is expanding my ongoing community cleanup work under "Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance." During the community cleanups, volunteers wear bright orange vests with phrases ironed-on the back that call attention to the cleanup work. I see it as a friendly way to encourage on-lookers to take action and motivate them to join in and keep our neighborhoods clean. The combination of image, text, and community feedback is a powerful weapon to propel and inspire change._

Ottawa – Cooking Together

2021-04-27T00:00:00Z

April’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Richard Stewart to support his efforts to teach other people living with disabilities how to cook simple, healthy meals. “I used to be a chef,” explains Richard, “but am now confined to a wheelchair and am no longer able to cook professionally. Wanting to find a way to keep cooking and give back to the community, I started out making some meals for others, and eventually came up with the idea of teaching other people with disabilities how to cook – so they would feel and have more independence.” “I reached out to some of the local food banks asking if they felt this would be useful for their clients,” he continues, “and they loved the idea. I hosted a first class on Zoom, hoping for five people to join – I had 26. I actually had to schedule a second class!” “I want to get people connected not just with each other but also with the resources they need to be able to cook safely,” Richard explains. “For example, letting them know what’s available and where they can get safe equipment to use in the kitchen, like specially designed grips, plates, and frying pans.” “My goal is to hold these classes more and more often. I would talk with the food bank about what they have in abundance and base that week’s meal off that. I would also show how to prepare vegetables, then portion and freeze them for making other things in the future – like dicing an onion and putting it in ice cube trays and then in a freezer bag. Then all they need to do is grab the already-prepared vegetables they need and put a meal together. I’m very fired up about this!” Richard was hospitalized two and a half years ago when he suddenly couldn’t walk and started having seizures. After five months in hospital, he was diagnosed with a neurological degenerative disorder and told he would never be able to live on his own again. “I had to give up my place and move to a retirement home,” he says, “but I fought hard and am now in independent supported living. I want to help others live independently as well.” To learn more about Richard’s online classes, visit [https://cheftroy.ca] (https://cheftroy.ca).

Melbourne (Inactief) – Off Lead - web series

2021-04-27T00:00:00Z

We are producing a web series called Off Lead. Off Lead is a short form comedy that follows five people and their dogs who become close friends and work together to navigate dog park politics and life transitions.While the central action of the story is told from the dog owner’s perspective, there is an inner life to the story expressed by the dogs in ‘chat-to-camera’ interviews; giving the story multiple narratives to one event. Off Lead offers a point of view from the lives of Millenials. As this generation enters the next stage of adulthood, adjusting to life in their 30s, they face existential crises. This is yet to be represented in the Australian comedy climate. There’s a lot of content about new parents, but what about the people who aren’t there yet. The strength of Off Lead lies in the focus on dogs; dog ownership itself helps the owner learn to care for something other than themselves and this theme travels through Off Lead. The protagonists need to adjust to the idea that the world no longer revolves around them. As they get older, their idea of life purpose shifts. The connection between the protagonists is palpable as they develop loving friendships and fiercely support each other in their endeavours. Their dogs, Ibbi, Barkley and Taco, offer an alternative perspective that remains in the here and now. No matter what drama is going on and as the protagonists get swept up in their own lives, the dogs will bring them right back to the present moment. There is always a poo to pick up, a playtime that has gotten too intense or a bird off in the distance plotting it’s revenge trying to lure the dogs on to the road. The off lead zone of the local oval is a neutral place at the magical time of 8am where our main characters gather to enjoy some fresh air, light exercise and casual banter. Not every dog owner in the area joins the morning crew and while they don’t know everyone's names, they definitely know the dogs. An 8 x 5 min series for release online.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Americañ/na

2021-04-26T00:00:00Z

I would like to fabricate a large neon sign with a flashing ~ to alternate between saying "Americaña" and "Americana". This is one of the most recent projects of my research-based creative practice involving an evolving series of solo and collaborative initiatives to use our invented term, Americaña, as a cultural metaphor to explore the complexities of identifying Latina/o/x traditions, knowledge, politics, history, geography, artifacts, and ephemera. "Americaña" is an invented word that is in a sense self-defining to suggest a Hispano/Latinx influence in our understanding of what contributes to Americana. Without a formal definition, this invented term operates as a broader cultural metaphor to explore. Using text and language, these projects confront the anglo-centered way that we archive and describe cultural artifacts within the United States of America. The neon sign flashing between Americaña/Americana will bring the term and cultural metaphor into the public realm. Through visual art and text, this project will create a conversation around the themes our ongoing project works to understand. Complete project site is currently under development (www.americaña.com)

Washington, DC – Rise Above

2021-04-26T00:00:00Z

Last month I poured what was left of my emergency savings into opening Rise Above. Rise Above is a community supply hub that serves residents in the most disadvantaged areas of DC ( Wards 7/8 ) we provide emergency baby pampers/wipes/baby formula/toddler and baby clothes/hygiene kits to support our unhoused community living in tent encampments/household items/preloaded smart trip cards to support our recently hired folks/emergency hotel placements and direct advocacy for unhoused families.

Miami, FL – Juneteenth For Joy

2021-04-22T00:00:00Z

Juneteenth for Joy is an day-long, unapologetic celebration of Black joy, which I believe is a true sign of our freedom. I launched it last year in response to my own need to reclaim a safe space during the height of Covid where I didn't have to: 1) teach anyone (I'm a public school teacher); 2) listen to another recital of Black trauma and/or death; while 3) I gave my people a new way to look at the possibilities of Black life. I wanted to dream together what our lives will be when the world becomes what we've been fighting for. Here's what happened last year, and what I need the funding for. We opened with a facilitated Meditation from Shelah Marie, then progressed to an hour of uplifting music from Mr. Alexander Star. That was followed by a panel on Black education futures featuring fellow educator Shanett Dean and Dr. Michelle Wiltshire, a tech founder and designer. Then we had a comedy set from the Black Improv Alliance, and self-care practices that included recipes and virtual bodywork. The event was closed with a video from La'Vender Freddy: "There Are Black People in The Future". All the content was given to me as a favor because of my relationship with the creators. It was so well-received, I was asked to do it again.

Oahu, HI – Moveable Parts Playground

2021-04-22T00:00:00Z

I am the principal of Kainalu Elementary in Kailua. We wish to buy an amazing moveable parts playground. During the pandemic, we want to maximize social time between kids in a safe play area. By purchasing a moveable parts playground, our students will have the opportunity to interact with each other outside while using STEM education to design their own playground! We love the ability of this playground to be portable, free play for our kids. The website for the playground parts is: http://www.imaginationplayground.com/product/

Seattle, WA – Das Schaufenster

2021-04-22T00:00:00Z

My name is Anna Mlasowsky I am a German born, Seattle living artist and now pandemic-bred curator. I lost all my work last year as an artist and decide to do something for my community instead. The project I am submitting is my artist-run experimental window space called “Das Schaufenster”. German for storefront, meaning “viewing window or looking at window”. Das Schaufenster was born from the loss of exhibition opportunities for artists due to the COVID19 pandemic. During the first year we had focused on artists that needed support the most, such as immigrant artists, artists with an activist practice and recent MFA graduates that had their graduation exhibition canceled. We are housed in an old corner store in Ballard. At the beginning of the pandemic when businesses boarded over, I opened up the space to share art with my community and to provide artists with exhibition and curation opportunities. Within the first half year of our existence, we have hosted the work of 17 artists from 9 states, monthly artist talks and a socially distanced performance in the neighborhood park across the street. All exhibitions can be viewed safely from the sidewalk and we are open 24/7. The challenges artists face from losing their work for over a year are multifaceted. Das Schaufenster gives artists the opportunity to exhibit their work regardless of restrictions and has brought interesting, joyful, and thoughtful art to my neighborhood, for which I have received a lot of positive feedback. In fact, I have gotten to know more folks in my neighborhood in the first 2 months of opening, than I have in the previous 5 years living here. This space is not meant to be temporary, but rather an investment in the future. Hopefully we will be able to continue to share the work of many local and international artists. Das Schaufenster is not a commercial gallery. We pay artists a modest fee, to honor their time and effort. Please check out our website for more details.

Yerevan – Էս՝ քեզ

2021-04-21T00:00:00Z

Վերջերս, սոցիալական ցանցերում ավելի ու ավելի են տարածվում կփոխանակեմ/կնվիրեմ թեմատիկայով էջերը, որոնք փոխշահավետ միջավայր են ստեղծում գործարքի մեջ մտնող 2 կողմերի համար էլ։ Ես ինքս մի քանի անգամ փոխանակել եմ գրքեր ու կարծում եմ հրաշալի կլինի, եթե այս ամենը կազմակերպվի ու իրականցվի իրական կյանքում ու կրի ավելի սպոնտան բնույթ։ Եվրոպական քաղաքներում արդեն տարածված բաց գրադարանների գաղափարը կարող է շատ հետաքրքիր կերպով մոդիֆիկացվել ու օգտագործվել։ Վանաձոր քաղաքի մի քանի մարդաշատ վայրում պլանավորում եմ տեղադրել փոքրիկ-սիրուն պահարաններ՝ մի քանի դարակներով ու գրատախտակով, որտեղ բոլորը հնարավորություն կունենան թողնել այն իրը, որը կցանկանան կիսել մյուսների հետ, փոխարենը վերցնելով անհրաժեշտ մեկ այլ իր։(Մասնավորապես գրքեր, փոքր առարկաներ)։ Պահարանի վրա նաև կլինեն գրված օգտագործման կանոնները, իսկ գրատախտակների վրա հնարավոր կլինի թողնել գրություններ։

Yerevan – Ձգողականության ուժը և մարմնի կշիռը

2021-04-21T00:00:00Z

Ողջույն! Ես Անի Եղինյանն եմ, հանդիսանում եմ <Օրիոն> պլանետարիում նախագծի հիմնադիրն ու ղեկավարը: Դա շարժական պլանետարիում է, որի ներսում ցուցադրվում են 3 D ֆորմատի, 360 աստիճանի գիտական ֆիլմեր: Այս ֆիլմերը բարդ գիտական ինֆորմացիան տրամադրում են պարզ, ինտերակտիվ, զվարճալի, տպավորիչ ձևով: Մեր գործունեության ընթացքում ունեցել ենք բազմաթիվ հաճախորդներ, մենք Էլ հյուրընկալվել ենք Հայաստանի տարբեր քաղաքներում, նաև սահմանամերձ գյուղերում: Այժմ պլանետարիումի ներսում ցանկանում ենք ստեղծել մի անկյուն, որտեղ երեխաները կարող են տեսնել, թե Արեգակնային համակարգի տարբեր մոլորակների վրա, կախված այդ մոլորակի ձգողականության ուժից, որքան կլինի իրենց մարմնի կշիռը: Գաղափարը ունի թե' ճանաչողական, թե' զվարճալի, թե' ինտերակտիվ բնույթ: Մոլորակները դասավորված են լինելու արևից ունեցած իրենց հերթականությամբ, լինելու են չափերի նույն հարաբերակցությամբ, ինչ իրականում են և ունենալու են իրենց առանձնահատուկ տեսքն ու մակերևույթը: Այսինքն` երեխան, բացի տվյալ մոլորակի ձգողականության ուժի չափը և իր կշիռը այդ մոլորակի վրա իմանալուց, նաև կծանոթանա այդ մոլորակների դասավորությանը, չափերին ու մակերևույթի առանձնահատկություններին: Եվ այս ամենը` բոլորովին անվճար: Այս ամբողջ մեխանիզմը նույնպես լինելու է շարժական, ինչպես մեր պլանետարիումը և նրանից կարող են անվճար օգտվել բոլոր այն քաղաքների ու գյուղերի երեխաներն ու մեծահասակները, որտեղ կայցելի մեր շարժական պլանետարիումը:

Boston, MA – The Horror Advocate

2021-04-21T00:00:00Z

Update: In 2020 The Horror Advocate broke ground by using the horror genre to bring people together in the wake of a pandemic. Developed as a 3 part virtual series where I explore and detangle horror films for the masses and those who otherwise would not be exposed. The project was made to bridge generational gaps, ease the effects of isolation, and highlight a genre that unfolds human stories with dimensions and complexities. The Horror Advocate has successfully evolved into a second phase that will launch a new project. Apt, Horror is an innovative approach to community data gathering (+ analysis). The project sees theories transformed into meaningful conclusions; using the horror genre as a reputable source and grounding it as an applied practice for strategic community development. The long-term goal is for these findings to become a critical resource for any city/state/or federal officials, initiatives, or programs aspiring to better serve the underrepresented communities they were appointed to protect. I also want these findings to become a pivotal resource for community initiatives (+causes) like the innocence project, prison reform, etc. This project is designed in the spirit of adaptation— and can be replicable in other communities. Apt, Horror leads the way in leveraging pop (counter) culture knowledge as a tool to better conceive our lived reality and ignite reform across a wealth of social and political sectors. The project is currently in the trial phase and actively raising funds to support our first event in December 2022. The project will launch in full on January 2023"

you by Ava Fields --------------------------------------------------------------------- The horror advocate is a live reading and talk series centers around the social impact of the horror genre. I’ve created a series that analyzes horror movies from a social justice vantage point. These events would take place once a month starting in February 2021. The goal of this reading series is not only to create exposure for myself as a black female horror film archeologist, but also to build a new momentum around women and horror. Women and film in general. So often horror is portrayed as something out of our reach and I want to show that not only are we meant to be in this conversation we have an obligation to show up and talk about what we’re seeing and absorbing as cultural mirrors. I’m hoping people can be less afraid of what’s scripted and more afraid of what the script is trying to reveal to us about our real world. In short, it’s horror advocacy. Horror films force us to acknowledge truths we would rather turn away from. I want to share that awakening with the people in my city and encourage new perspectives. One thing we all need and deserve right now is transparency — I think this reading series will rob if’s a great outlet for the community and myself.

Chicago, IL – Casitas para Pajaritos

2021-04-20T00:00:00Z

I would like to facilitate a bird house decorating event in the green space alongside a small community garden at the corner of 24th Boulevard and California Avenue in Little Village, maintained by the Telpochcalli School and the Maria Saucedo Academy. This green space on the corner of the boulevard was a community meeting ground during the warm months of the pandemic for families who are a part of the Telpochcalli Community Education Project. This area has provided space for distanced outdoor gatherings where families can connect and learn about resources. During these weekly gatherings, volunteers helped families fill out the Census with laptops, provided grocery delivery boxes, and facilitated art projects. Winter is passing, and I would like to encourage community members to start safely gathering in this space again to connect. During the Casitas para Pajaritos event, families will be able to paint a cedar wood bird house, then choose to hang the bird house in the community garden, in the trees along the boulevard, or take their Bird Houses home. This event will be the **foundation** of a new season of a gathering in this space for community members, while providing new homes for birds that surround the area. I will reach out to other organizations in the community like local churches, preschools, and hospitals to ask if they would be willing to set up a table along the boulevard to share their resources with the community during this event. I would like to bring back and grow those corner gatherings that TCEP so powerfully started facilitating for their community members and families. ** This project has been funded through funds honoring the memory of Mark Rogovin, a celebrated and beloved muralist in Chicago. These funds are specifically marked to support projects that benefit public art in the Chicago area.

Utrecht – Interwoven

2021-04-20T00:00:00Z

Wij zijn van mening dat mensen en natuur te ver van elkaar gedistantieerd zijn. Met ons kunstproject laten we de bezoekers een connectie voelen met de natuur. Dit doen we door een immersieve ervaring te laten creëren door schimmels, waarin bezoekers zich kunnen laten overdonderen door de kracht van de natuur. In ons project komen kijkers een ruimte binnen waarin alle muren bedekt worden door een bewegende, grafische projectie. In het midden van de ruimte staat een grote homp/bak met schimmels. Hieruit komen verschillende draden en sensors, welke via een Arduino de elektrische activiteit van de schimmels meten. Deze activiteit bestaat uit kleine elektrische signalen die de schimmel door zijn eigen netwerk verstuurt. Deze informatie van binnen het schimmelnetwerk wordt vertaald in de abstracte projectie en een immersief geluid. Door mensen oog in oog te laten staan met de schimmel (die in de installatie de natuur symboliseert) zal de kijker de schoonheid en impact voelen van deze schimmel. Het is belangrijk dat de kijker de connectie met de schimmel voelt. Dit gebeurt niet alleen door te ervaren en waar te nemen; wanneer je een paddenstoel aanraakt maak jij ook deel uit van de installatie en ga je een connectie aan welke ook zichtbaar zal zijn in de projectie om je heen. Op die manier werk je samen met de natuur om een prachtig kunstwerk te creëren.

Nature Armenia (Inactief) – "RenéMask"

2021-04-20T00:00:00Z

Due to the global pandemic, PPE items have become an integral part of our lives. We have to prepare ourselves to meet the challenges which are forcefully imposed by the recent pandemic of COVID-19, especially those affecting mother nature. The world seems to be more concerned about the shortage of PPE and is trying to manufacture more masks, while the environmental consequences of all the mask waste are being highly neglected. “RenéMask” offers an eco-chemical solution to monumental problems such are mask pollution and the growing demand for energy. RenéMask’s main goal is to drastically reduce mask waste and mitigate our energy crisis. The process is mainly based on pyrolysis and distillation. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere that involves thermal degradation of long-chain polymer molecules into simple, smaller molecules. It is a thermo-chemical plastic waste treatment technique that can be an alternative to plastic dumping & pollution problems. After pyrolysis, distillation is being used to separate the main substances, which are biofuel and biochar. Biofuel and biochar are extraordinary fuel and energy alternatives. The process proceeds in the following steps: i. Collection of used masks ii. Disinfection of masks using ultrasonic cleaner iii. Shredding of masks into small pieces iv. Fitting shredded masks into the reaction vessel and performance of pyrolysis in a heating mantle v. Performance of distillation to cool down the fumes in a condenser vi. Collection of condensed biofuel The project is imperative because it offers an innovative and realistic solution to the deteriorating environmental (caused by the PPE waste) and economical (accelerated growth in primary energy consumption) situation of Armenia. Being one of a kind in the country, “RenéMask” has all the potential to expand and become one of the most successful and revolutionary eco-scientific projects.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Revitalizing Indigenous Art 4 the Environment

2021-04-19T00:00:00Z

We directly address unsustainable development in the remote Santo Mountain Chain Biodiversity Hotspot, my home, and the location of over 42 remote indigenous villages that depend on a healthy environment as a source of food, water, traditional medicine, building materials and cultural identity. The Government is promoting commercial agriculture, including mechanization and large-scale clearing for plantations as a way increase household incomes, but with devastating consequences on our pristine environment. The government’s approach is also promoting non-food cash crops, like kava (an export drug) which has negative social and cultural impacts when consumed by local youth. Local Youth are calling for more sustainable agriculture, aligned with traditional approaches to food production, yielding healthy local foods and minimizing the destruction of our tropical rainforests. But the government isn’t listening. Our Awesome project is an innovative approach to challenge the status quo. Indigenous youth will weave their pro-environment written messages into the Pandanus leaf mats traditionally made by our mothers, grandmothers and traditional ancestors. Mats hold particular significance in Vanuatu, and are used as a peace offering and a medium to solve local disputes. Our traditional “message mats”, will be delivered to decision-makers in the Provincial and National Government, and will challenge unsustainable practice, revitalize indigenous art, and bring our remote communities into new policy dialogues in a way that is culturally sensitive and respectful. Once the mats are delivered, the Youth will hold a Zoom call with the Prime Minister (on a satellite connection installed in January 2021 at the local high school) to request specific changes to Ministry of Agriculture policies that are incentivizing environmental destruction. We believe that our Youth-driven environmental activism, based on the foundation of our traditional indigenous art will inspire others.

Chicago, IL – Window Plays

2021-04-19T00:00:00Z

Window Plays is a safe, socially-distant, live theatre display performed through windows. Audience members will embark on a theatrical walking tour, watching a series of 2-5 minute plays from the sidewalk. A glass window separates the audience from the solitary performer inside each of the participating businesses. It’s storefront theater … literally! After a successful first run in Andersonville, we are ramping up the format with a new theme, new plays, more shows and a new neighborhood: Lakeview. Hopefully, while viewing one of our performances through a Lakeview window, it will endear an audience member to that business and the ones surrounding it. When we first conceptualized Window Plays, we weren’t sure how well it would go. We just know that we had the eagerness to do it, and hoped others would feel the same. When we started asking businesses if they would be interested in a project like this, we were met with a resounding yes. That eagerness to see live theater again came out in our audience too. We sold out that three night run, had a spectacular performance, and even added a few more dates. This format works. It’s exciting and works for those who have tickets, and those who just find a play in a storefront on their way home. There’s something magical about live theater, and we think Window Plays brings a little bit of that magic back.

Pittsburgh, PA – Baby Bison Days Charity Powwow

2021-04-19T00:00:00Z

In 2021, Boss Bison Ranch will hold the seventh annual Baby Bison Days Charity Powwow to benefit the HARCATUS Food Pantry in Cadiz, Ohio. The two-day event is an inter-tribal powwow that will be held on Father’s Day weekend, and will feature live Native American dancers, performances and demonstrations. Last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19, so this year’s powwow will not only honor Native American culture, but veterans and first responders as well.

Chicago, IL – Storytelling for Children with Visual Impairments

2021-04-18T00:00:00Z

Lighthouse for the Blind in Chicago approached Tellin’ Tales Theatre about bringing a new storytelling workshop to young children who are visually impaired. Tellin’ Tales has responded with the concept of a “story club” to engage children and their parents in activities around a particular story. Books will be chosen based on the ages and developmental stages of the kiddos. Two well-known children’s books have been selected for the first workshop. Along with the story being read to the children and their parent over Zoom (for now), there will be structured physical activities specifically designed to complement the story that will enhance the following areas of development: 1. cognitive development (recognizing how characters solve problems, reinforcing basic concepts that appear in stories) 2. social and emotional development (understanding other points of view; highlighting empathy, cooperation and conflict resolution in stories) 3. speech and language development (vocabulary words, comprehension of ideas and themes, applying ideas from stories to real life experiences) 4. physical development (activities that target fine and gross motor skills) The workshop will run for 6 -7 weeks. Approximately 30 children are expected to participate. There is no funding available from either organization at this time. EXAMPLE: Book 31 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle First, the workshop leader will read the story to the kids over Zoom. She will create a Zoom backdrop from one of the illustrations in the story, which will hopefully add a little visual interest to those with some vision. The Very Hungry Caterpillar eats something new on each day of the week. To reinforce the concept of 7 days in a week, I will share the Days of the Week song—a simple song with a fun beat based on the Addams Family theme song.

Cass Clay – Welcome Home Baskets

2021-04-15T00:00:00Z

I have been working to make "Welcome Home Baskets" for people leaving homelessness and moving into their own apartments. The baskets contain necessities like towels, shower curtains, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen towels, etc. When people move into their own home after experiencing homeless, they are almost always starting from scratch. These items help them get going on the right foot and let them know that the community cares.

Rochester, NY (Inactief) – Edible Food Forest

2021-04-15T00:00:00Z

Enrico Fermi School 17 is located in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood that suffers from food apartheid. As such, the school’s mission is to serve its students and surrounding community by providing tools to advocate for food sovereignty and justice. This project proposes the design and planting of a small edible food forest at the front entrance of the school, which also serves as the entrance to the Orchard Family Medicine center. Staff, youth, and community volunteers would be responsible for its planting and upkeep, encouraging empowerment through food production and neighborhood beautification. Planting a variety of plants from herbs to berry shrubs and fruit trees, this project would transform the currently unutilized piece of land into a space of learning, beauty, and enjoyment open to the JOSANA community.

Kingston – B's Bike Bites Upgrade

2021-04-15T00:00:00Z

Meet B or Bailey: he is the peddler and pedal-er, bringing you delicious treats to suit the season on his retro dickie dee bike. B has autism and is non-verbal but he loves to meet people and he loves to bike so starting this business was a perfect match. Bailey ran his first successful year of business last year. After running a full season, we saw some areas to upgrade the equipment to make it a more independent process for Bailey. We purchased a new cart that is easier to maneuver and pedal. We would also like to purchase an Ipad and some software to help Bailey process transactions easier. Our goal is to make the bike accessible for people with exceptionalities and eventually purchase a fleet of bikes, so Bailey can employ other young adults and offer them the same employment opportunities. Employment is a huge barrier for those with exceptionalities and this would offer an accommodating job that is flexible based on a person's needs.

Newmarket – Food Security Program

2021-04-15T00:00:00Z

The project is aimed at assisting with the needs of the ABC community (African, Black, Caribbean) as a result of COVID-19. Our current funding will run out by mid May but we know that families are depending on us and we want to continue to support them. This is the reason why obtaining this fund would be so critical. Here is a testimonial from one of our recipients: “I can't begin to thank for what a blessing NACCA has been to my family. Thank you so much NACCA for the fresh fruits and veggies you have been sending to us every 2 weeks....NACCA is our greatest help in food. We are very thankful for everything, and we thank them for everything." - Food Security Program Member, Newmarket

Sarnia (Inactief) – Petfood Warehouse- Pet Health Program

2021-04-15T00:00:00Z

During my time working at Petfood Warehouse I have been made aware of how many people in our community cannot afford the products or nutrition that their pets require for optimal health and happiness. Many pets require special treatment for health related issues and they suffer because their loving owners do not have the finances for what is required. I would love to start a Facebook page or make a Facebook post in the support sarnia local business group (that could be shared around Facebook) where people that have pets with health requirements they cannot afford can contact me privately for information or assistance. With this grant I would be able to provide the products free of charge to help people with their dire pet needs. All products would be at cost to the store, so no profit would be made, allowing the grant money to help as many people as possible. I have not included pictures with my proposal as every product in the store would be available at cost through the program, whether it be foods, flea treatment or products from our pet pharmacy. I have been trying to do small fundraisers on my own at work for the humane society and making sure nothing is wasted in the store and we donate everything we can do the Inn of the good Shepard, Petrolia Feral Cat Rescue, Heavens Wildlife Rescue. So I would really love the opportunity to put this proposal into action and provide further support to people and their pets in the Sarnia Lambton area.

Austin, TX – AAAFF Centerpiece Film Drive-In Live Performance

2021-04-14T00:00:00Z

The 13th Annual Austin Asian American FIlm Festival is going hybrid in 2021, with virtual film screenings and three drive-in screenings throughout the month of July. For the Centerpiece film screening, a grant from the Awesome Foundation will help make it extra special by engaging an Asian American musician or performer to be part of it. This project will make Austin awesome by giving additional performing opportunities to Austin's Asian American and other BIPOC performers. We believe in the power of representation and being able to see Asian Americans in non-stereotypical careers in the arts, on screen and simply just hearing them makes a huge difference in ensuring that Asian American art and culture creators keep being able to do their work.

Ann Arbor, MI – Love a Lot, Love a Life

2021-04-14T00:00:00Z

The NFNAC believes it has a part to play in the community to address property vacancy and deterioration through what we call Love a Lot, Love a Life learn by doing projects. The Love a Lot, Love a Life Project was birthed out of the NFNAC Housing & Neighborhoods Action Team for the purpose of reaching areas in which there are not or we are unaware of a block club or neighborhood association being associated with them. The Love a Lot portion of the project is to assist the area by boarding abandoned houses and painting the boards, cutting vacant lots, removing illegal dumping, clear sidewalks of debris and brush so they are traversable. The Love a Life portion is when we approach residents who may not have the wherewithal to maintain their yard if we can assist in manicure their lawn, plant flowers and remove overgrown shrubbery. The project reaches desires to reach out and to remind that community has not forgotten them. We take The Gatherings to spaces where there are no block clubs and neighborhood associations, but an interest from concerned residents to gauge interest. We do this by creating a block party and gathering information from those who attend about what they would like to see and what part they would like to play

San Francisco, CA – Lou Harrison Archival Sample Packs

2021-04-14T00:00:00Z

It was recently announced that Mills college in Oakland will likely be closing. Among the many treasures that Mills has offered the Bay Area is its music program. Lou Harrison, one of the pillars of contemporary musical composition, so-called “New Music,” taught at Mills (as well as other institutions) and lived in Northern California for more than 50 years. Mr. Harrison passed away in 2003, but his hundreds of homemade instruments still exist at Mills. It’s my goal to record each instrument for use in compositions by anyone, anywhere, for free. Because Mills may shut down as soon as 2023, there is a great deal of urgency to record these instruments before they face an uncertain fate. I plan to record each instrument several times, each with a unique intensity, so that even a percussion instrument that does not have any ability to change pitch may still have 5-10 sounds captured, enabling anyone using the recorded sounds to create expressive works as if they had access to the actual instruments. Pitched instruments will require a much greater set of samples. The sounds will be available as “sample packs,” so that anyone with audio software or a sampler / drum machine would be able to use these sounds in making original works, free of any licensing fees.

San Jose, CA – San Jose Is Not For Sale: A Community Project

2021-04-13T00:00:00Z

Forever In The Right Mind LLC would like to produce a 6-part documentary series telling the stories of 6 different San Jose entrepreneurs and artists. The series will be called San Jose is Not For Sale: A Community Project. This series will display San Jose BIPOC community members (ie: [Nirvana Soul Coffee Shop], [Abel Gonzalez @driftin], [Jordan Benigno and JR Soriano owners of Paradox Barbershop], and others) making a living off of their skills and intuition. The goal for San Jose is Not For Sale: A Community Project is to bring our marginalized community members together for a common goal, which is to inspire young people in our communities to chase their passions. Entrepreneurship, art and community is the soul of San Jose and we would like to shed light on that, as well as, uplift the community to continue the tradition. Once the series is complete, we will host community events in local small businesses to engage the community and introduce the final product, San Jose is Not For Sale: A Community Project. These events will consist of local small business, food vendors, and San Jose culture.

Buffalo, NY (Inactief) – Sit and Think Chairs

2021-04-13T00:00:00Z

Beau Fleuve Music & Arts will be launching their "Sit and Think" initiative at this year’s celebration featuring artists: A.J. Smith, Emeka Wajed, Ken Newton, and RozPaintedIt. The project will consist of Adirondack chairs, painted with a message of the artists’ choosing. The community can engage by sitting in the chair, thinking about their takeaway from the artwork, and responding in "Thinking Boxes", nearby to collect participant perceptions and feedback. The chairs will travel to locations across Buffalo: the East Side, West Side, Elmwood Village, Allentown, Innovation District, Downtown, South Buffalo, and Larkin Square neighborhoods, starting August 2021. An additional phase the chairs will be a part of an art installation at the 5th annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Festival, still involving community engagement, and hosting a silent auction to provide proceeds for the Foundation. The foundation provides educational music and arts programs for inner city youth ages 5-22 and has serviced over 400 youth since its first year in 2019.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Inclusive Safety Mural Series (NYC)

2021-04-12T00:00:00Z

To mark Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (April), genEquality is spearheading the Inclusive Safety Mural Series (ISMS), a creative community engagement program to co-create inspirational murals across the 5 boroughs. We aim for this to be not only an engaging educational opportunity for young people, but also an important conduit for social change and catalyst for the safe, inclusive society we all - students to seniors - seek to live in. Art is a powerful tool for engaging and activating a community. Our Nudge Art is always co-created and shares a positive, active social message. We aim for our art to be interactive – e.g., people can 'stand in it' for a picture that can be shared via social media, thereby spreading the message and helping to change culture through social / virtual channels, too. When we know better, we can do better…and then we will be better. The ISMS is bringing together students, residents, artists, and NYC residents to co-create public art that sends a message and inspires members of the community to know, do, and be better in service of safety and well-being. The mural locations will be in a public area with high traffic and visibility in every borough of NYC. The mural creation would be facilitated by professionals (artists, educators), but the art itself will be painted and created by students under the artist and educator supervision. We anticipate that groups of 15-25 students and community members will participate in the mural design and creation process. Our artists all identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ, and include:  Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (Artist, lynnfaz.com)  Indie184 (Artist, indie184.com)  Lola LoveNotes (Artist, lovesnotesnyc.com)  Antony Posada (Artist, projectattica.org)  Icy & Sot (Artist duo, icyandsot.com) Current partners include:  Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence  Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety  NYC Commission on Human Rights  NYC Dept. of Education  NYCHA

Newburgh, NY – Newburgh Farmers' Market Food Access

2021-04-11T00:00:00Z

Common Ground Farm has stewarded the Newburgh Farmers' Market at the centrally located Safe Harbors Green, on the corners of Broadway and Liberty Streets in Newburgh since 2017. The Newburgh Farmers' Market Food Access (NFMFA) project will increase fresh food access to the most vulnerable people living in the City of Newburgh and will support farmers participating in the Newburgh Farmers' Market. The NFMFA will create opportunities for low income residents to be able to participate in the market, while ensuring that market vendors are supported while participating in a young but growing market. The NFMFA project will help us to grow Greens4Greens, a community funded coupon program that doubles the purchasing power of people using food benefits at the market. In addition, we will use NFMFA funds to provide farmers with a stipend at the end of each market to help cover any losses in wasted food. In exchange for the stipend, farmers will donate their unsold produce that will be delivered to local soup kitchens.

Antwerp (Inactief) – Rebel Sncks

2021-04-08T00:00:00Z

Rebel Sncks Ieder kind verdient gezonde voeding. Met die passie en motivatie stampte Linda Frances het project Rebel Sncks uit de grond. Een doos vol gezonde snacks voor jong en oud. Haar missie bestaat erin om jongeren in Stad Antwerpen enerzijds te informeren over gezonde voeding en een alternatief aan te reiken voor het snoepgoed en chips. Door hen op educatieve, maar plezante wijze bij te brengen hoe ze gezonde keuzes kunnen maken, wil Linda de kans op overgewicht bij jongeren verlagen. Echter, niet iedereen heeft voldoende middelen om deze (soms duurdere) snacks te kopen. Om die reden engageert Rebel Sncks zich om boxen te doneren aan scholen. Het unieke concept achter Rebel Sncks is dat de box zal worden verkocht aan particulieren en bedrijven. De opbrengst die hiermee wordt gegenereerd zal worden gebruikt om boxen aan scholen te doneren. Rebel Sncks gaat de €1.000 gebruiken voor de uitwerking van het prototype van de box (hier werken studenten van de AP Hogeschool aan mee) en de opzet en werking van een website met webshop.

Westminster, MD – #DRAWWESTMINSTER5X7

2021-04-07T00:00:00Z

#DRAWWESTMINSTER5X7 is 14 weeks of drawing prompts to encourage the Westminster community to observe, draw, experience and share what makes Westminster, Maryland a great place to live, work and play. Anyone can draw. Sometimes all that is needed is a little inspiration, purpose and encouragement. Local artist group, 5x7 Underground has come up with 14 weeks of Westminster themed drawing prompts that will be posted on 5x7underground.com, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Members of the community are encouraged to draw one or all of the prompts in a travel sized sketchbook using any desired style or media and share their work on social media using the #drawwestminster5x7 hashtag. Seven (one for each day of the week) drawing prompts will be posted on the 5x7underground.com website each Saturday from June 5, 2021 (Art in the Park 2021) until September 4, 2021 (Labor Day Weekend). Prompts can be drawn daily or all at once. Participating artists may wish to sketch each prompt separately or combine prompt images together into a collage-like drawing. To encourage and help facilitate this project, 5x7 Underground wants to provide 100 travel sketchbooks with drawing implements to interested participants free of charge. Patrons will need to present a printed or digital coupon (available on the 5x7Underground.com website) beginning at 10:00 AM at the 5x7 Underground vendor’s booth at 2021 Carroll County Arts Council Art in the Park in order to receive a free travel sketchbook. One sketchbook and brush pen per person, per coupon, on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out.

Oakland, CA (Inactief) – Corps de Ballet - Ballet's effects on Bodies

2021-04-07T00:00:00Z

The wispy quality of professional ballerinas sets a precedent for aspiring dancers that is often unachievable through healthy practices. As a result, young dancers are typically tempted to change their bodies by overexercising or under-eating. According to a study in 2019, dancers are three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than non-dancers. In my interviews with current and former ballet dancers, I found their stories of body shame and eating disorders echoed my own. We pushed ourselves through 8 hours of dance with nothing but a granola bar in our stomachs. We hated wearing a leotard and tights in front of a mirror all day. We all had these experiences and still, many of my interview questions were met with the phrase, “I’ve never told anyone this but…” To start conversations about body shame in the performing arts, I am creating a collaborative video project using aerial dance and original music to express how ballet shaped my body image. This piece will demonstrate the restriction of body shame and the freedom of relinquishing that shame. We will shoot the video in April 2021 and begin recording the music in May. Viewers will walk away with an increased sense of responsibility to consider the way they talk about thinness in addition to promoting critical thinking about how they treat their bodies. Alongside the video, we will share informative resources including the names and emails of local health professionals and advanced performers who are willing to discuss body shame. I am connected with 7 training facilities for young athletes in Oakland that would benefit from Corps de Ballet and the accompanying resources. Kinetic Arts Center, a circus gym in Oakland, has agreed to premiere the music video to all 50 students in their youth and teen troupes virtually.

Newcastle – The Happiness Scorecard

2021-04-07T00:00:00Z

We're on a mission to grow global wellbeing, one mind at a time - starting with making Newcastle known as the Happiest City in Australia. One of the projects that we have developed to help us move towards this vision is the Happiness Scorecard - a short, evidence-based test that gives people a deeper understanding of their own happiness levels. We believe that part of the reason behind why so many people struggle with their mental and emotional wellbeing is because it is difficult to keep track of. Often people find that their first notable sign of emotional distress or mental health challenges comes long after their happiness and wellbeing began to slide in the first place. This leads to a very reactive approach to promoting wellbeing and emotional health. We believe that by empowering people with tools such as the Happiness Scorecard they will be able to keep a closer eye on their wellbeing, and will be more likely to manage their happiness proactively rather than reactively. We have developed a Happiness Scorecard prototype based on research from the field of Positive Psychology and have taken it through an incubator with the University of Newcastle to help us bring it to the public. We are now aiming to give the Happiness Scorecard to as many people as we can to get enough data to validate the project before scaling it.

Baltimore, MD – Boone Street Free Farm Stand

2021-04-07T00:00:00Z

Boone Street Commons is a community built and managed green space in East Baltimore Midway. In 2020 a community garden was added to the space with 6 inaugural gardeners and 12 garden beds growing flowers, vegetables, and fruits. The garden has produced more crops than the gardeners could consume, however they observed theft of crops like corn, tomatoes, and watermelons, likely during the evening or early morning hours. For 2021, we increased the total number of garden beds to 23 and started a group gardening program allowing neighbors to grow crops with the purposeful intention of sharing it with neighbors. Our Awesome Project is to build a Free Farm Stand; a free-standing structure that resembles roadside farm stands along rural routes across America. Items in the farm stand would be protected from the elements and serve as a mini food pantry in which gardeners may share crops. This would make fresh grown food available to anyone 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The farm stand can act as an emergency food assistance gap-filler: the farm stand is open when traditional providers close; the farm stand can serve those too ashamed to utilize emergency food assistance; or serve those who do not qualify for means-tested assistance. Other Nonperishable items also could be added to the farm stand as part of the service it provides. Learn more: boonestreetcommons.com and on Facebook/Instagram @boonestreetcommons

Sydney – Furnish Our Therapy Space

2021-04-06T00:00:00Z

Our small, grass roots, community controlled organisation exists to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Mount Druitt area of Western Sydney. Since our humble beginnings in 2012 we now run five weekly programs, a host of much loved annual events, and offer a range of supports to individuals and families including advocacy, referrals, psychosocial supports, and assistance with navigating government agencies and services. We have recently been blessed with funding to employ a social worker so that we can add case management to our growing list of supports that we can provide the community. There is only one problem - we have nowhere for her to sit! We have a demountable on our premises which has power and running water, but little to no furniture. This space has the potential to be a private, safe, and comforting space where our social worker can sit with clients and make them feel comfortable as they unpack their support needs. Seeking help of any kind is challenging enough, so having a relaxing and welcoming space to sit is integral to ensuring that community members with complex issues get the help they need. We are looking to jazz this space up so that by the time our social worker comes on board, they will have a beautiful, safe, culturally appropriate space where they can work. We are going to need comfortable seating, soft lighting, a small fridge for refreshments - everything we need to make people feel at ease and support them to speak up and unpack their difficult experiences and past trauma. Every little bit helps when it comes to supporting people to process trauma, so while having nice smelling candles, and a good supply of tea and tissues on hand can sound trivial - we assure you it is absolutely integral to our practice. If people don't feel safe and supported in your space, they simply won't come to seek the help they need.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Harp to Heart journey

2021-04-05T00:00:00Z

I am a well-established, professional concert harpist and have had a long career which has taken me around the world. When covid forced the cancellation of all live concerts, I was inspired to create a new and unique initiative - Harp to Heart – as a way to safely bring the comfort of live harp music to people struggling with the anxiety, isolation and stresses of the pandemic. Last August, I purchased an older Ford Transit High Roof van which I converted into a self-contained concert hall/tiny home in which I travelled for 7 weeks, playing 33 covid-safe free concerts throughout Alberta and BC. This included concerts in parking lots besides seniors residences, at community drop in centres for handicapped, in campgrounds in remote northern communities and in schools. Thanks to a sponsorship from Cam Clark Ford of Airdrie, I have been able to purchase a new Transit van which is being built out for a much longer 6-month cross-Canada journey due to begin in April 2021. I intend to continue the project for two years, hopefully into the U.S. once possible. Part of my personal commitment to this project is to offer all events free of charge to seniors’ homes, hospitals, schools etc. This is a philanthropic undertaking without income for myself, and I am fortunate to have received donations and sponsorships to help cover some costs related both to the new build and to travel on the road. I expect to travel approximately 30000 km in Canada over the coming year bringing hoping to bring some consolation to Canadians across the country. Another goal of the project is to connect meaningfully to young people who are particularly worried about their futures, especially in more rural and remote communities as well as immigrant populations. In decades of sharing my music, I have witnessed it dramatically open new horizons that could never have been imagined. I am grateful to have the energy and capacity to support young people in becoming courageous and creative citizens.

State College, PA – Music Takes Flight

2021-04-05T00:00:00Z

My project will install an outdoor instrument at Bernel Road Park. This park has been voted the “Best of State College” playground and serves many families in Centre County. The instrument will allow children and other members of our community the opportunity to gain the benefits of music in a free, easily accessible, and fun environment. The instrument is specially designed for outdoor public use, is tuned to a scale, and has appropriate sound quality. It does not require retuning and only minimal cleaning, similar to other playground equipment. The shape of this particular instrument also mimics the wings of an airplane and will complement the airport design of the park. In addition, there will be an informational sign and website that will inform families of the benefits of music and provide instructions for playing the instrument. Studies have shown that playing music improves academic performance, develops creative problem-solving skills, improves spatial reasoning, improves memory, reduces stress and anxiety, reduces substance use, and enhances a child’s sense of responsibility. I look forward to providing this opportunity to our community. To initiate this project, I wrote a proposal, submitted it to Patton Township, and received approval. I am now in the fundraising stage of the project. I am funding this project through community donations.

North Minneapolis, MN – The Circus Paint Clubhouse

2021-04-01T00:00:00Z

I am looking for support in building a structure in my backyard that will allow me to not only train myself in circus arts but get back to coaching others as the only black female aerial coach in Minneapolis. I will also be able to use the space to offer opportunities to the community to try aerial arts and even be able to host an apprenticeship program specifically geared towards engaging more BUIPOC in become aerial arts instructors. Circus arts challenges you mentally, physically and helps build confidence. It encourages play and exploration and contributes greatly to individuals overall well being. Its “out of the box-ness” also encourages natural community and skill sharing and peer to peer comradery.

Brumadinho (Inactief) – Minha cadeira não é prisão é minha liberdade ♿

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z

Consiste em apoiar o que já faço com recursos próprios emprestar cadeiras para pessoas que necessitam e não tem . Manutenção para dar qualidade de vida e mobilidade . Ou aquisição de cadeira ou peças. Já venho fazendo isso, mas com uma ajuda ficaria mais tranquilo pra mim. valor aprovado >R$2.500< Nome completo do proponente:Maurílio Dias Jardim

Liverpool (Inactief) – Bold Rangers Junior Football Club Return to Footy

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z
Bold Rangers Junior Football Club is a junior grassroots football club, as well as a UK Registered charity No 1170416. With the return to football at the end of March, we have now started to prepare for the children to return. Part of this return is to have the equipment they need to start training and play matches again. With the lack of subs being paid during covid due to a majority of parents losing their jobs, we have been unable to supply new equipment which we would normally do in September at the start of the season. This never happened and looking at some of the equipment we have, its ready to be binned especially with the way things are with Covid.

Brumadinho (Inactief) – Ecolimpa Produtos de Limpeza e Ecológicos da ATRB

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z
O projeto tem como finalidade, promover o desenvolvimento econômico gerando emprego ou aumento da renda familiar das familias menos assistidas de Brumadinho. Os produtos serão confeccionados por meio da reutilização do lixo sólido evitando que os mesmo sejam descartados de forma incorreta e polua o meio ambiente. Os artesanatos e sabão de barra serão oficinas de terapia ocupacional com finalidades de ocupar o tempo em meio à pandemia por causa do isolamento social. Desta forma as artesas poderão confeccionar seus produtos em home office e as que não forem de risco poderçao optar em fazer os artesanatos na associação, por possuir um amplo espaço para execução do projeto com total segurança. O recurso sera destinado à compra da soda, forma de sabão, maquina de embalar os produtos e marketing para divulgacao do projeto. Também sera destinado para compras de acessorios para as oficinas de artesanato como linhas, barbantes, tintas, colas etc. Quem é o proponente Anderson Jean Rocha e Renata A Renata é coordenadora de projetos sociais da Associação Talentos Regionais de Brumadinho. Ha 6 anos ajudando a população em diversos seguimentos voltados para atender as necessidades basicas dos menos assistidos que se encontram em zonas de marginalização ou em situações de vulnerabilidade social. Sou graduada em Pegagogia e finalizando Pós graduação em ONG's Terceiro Setor e Responsabilidade Social. Valor do aporte R$1.250,00

Glasgow – The Revelator

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z
“Start a huge, foolish project like Noah, it makes absolutely no difference what people think of you” (Rumi) The Revelator is a community-built structure which will become a unique nomadic Theatre-in-the-Round. Combining heritage, identity and story it offers a reconnection and sense of communal pride through making. Once complete, The Revelator will become a unique nomadic Art Space comprising LocalTheatre, Art School, Gallery and Cinema. aswell as a Wall of Death, a form of Fairground Performance Art which has not changed since the 1920s. It involves riding motorcycles horizontally inside a giant wooden barrel and then performing a ballet on the saddle of the gyrating bike 16 feet in the air with the audience perched at the top looking down. It is poised, elegant and graceful but also dangerous. I started this project a year ago in March at the very start of lockdown. Working in total isolation in my shed, I began to build a Wall of Death piece by piece using recycled wood. The diameter of the Wall is 28 feet and it is sixteen feet high. Many years ago I trained as a cabinet maker so I decided to make use of my long learned skills using only handtools and traditional hand cut joints, no screws or nails. I worked like this right through from March to August. When Lockdown eased I moved into the historic Barclay Curle Building on the Clyde beneath the Titan Crane. One by one I was joined by a team of devoted volunteers, all keen to learn new skills. We are all learning from eachother all the time. The project is one of hope in these difficult times. We have managed to keep sane by hard work and long hours. To date we have spent 4750 hours lovingly creating this new exciting space for Glasgow.“The Wall of Death has saved my life. It has given me a focus and a routine and I am learning new skills every day” Paul, a Revelator volunteer. The Revelator is a Clydeside work-in in the true spirit of Jimmy Reid. It is also useful unemployment in these uncertain times.

Disability – The Uhuru Dream House

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z
The Uhuru Dream House is a communal project to create a safe art house for disabled QTBIPOC. It will be a sacred space to create. It will also be an artist residency program & transitional living space: owned, operated and maintained by disabled Black trans people, for Black trans people. I’m creating the residency program on the property of the home I currently reside in, where disabled Black trans & intersex artists will visit New Orleans, LA. for one month to work on a project of their choice. The home will soon be completely wheelchair accessible (I am also in a wheelchair). I am acquiring all creative tools and resources necessary for artists-in-residence to create art, music and film. The residency will feature; art/music/film/tattoo studios, editing room and a stage, a Black QTI library, and community garden. I will have everything an artist could dream of having in the space so there is no creative limitation! The living space will be a short school bus, located on the property, which will be remodeled into a tiny home. The bus will offer a private space to give each artist autonomy, free of misgendering and street harassment, during their visit. Each artist will have access to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or car. They will be offered a stipend for food and recreational activities during their stay and payment for their participation at the residency. **What our grantee is saying:** "It is the greatest honor to be recognized and supported by my community! Everyone should be prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in everything they create. I want to be included and have access to the same spaces as my able-bodied friends and community so I would hope they would think of us in the same way and make sure we are welcomed! I am thankful for all who support my vision."

Brumadinho (Inactief) – Paty com Arte e Luta em Taquaras

2021-03-31T00:00:00Z
Vamos formar um grupo de 15 pessoas que se reunirá a tarde para aprender tapeçaria em crochê, biscuit e bijuteria e conversar sobre como vamos nos organizar para melhorar o processo de reparação. Hoje a comunidade precisa de uma oferta objetiva, palpável e, minimamente prazerosa. A Vale não nos contempla com nada disso, a ATI nos dá muito trabalho cotidiano e a justiça, sabe-se lá quando vai chegar. Precisamos desta ajuda para continuarmos juntas e termos esperança. O artesanato será um meio de mobilização, será um meio para o encontro, para conversarmos sobre a nossa vida, sobre o que está acontecendo conosco. Quero, sim, formar pessoas para que tenham um ofício e que aumentem a renda, mas precisamos sobretudo de um apoio. A demanda já existe e estamos esperando pelo recurso para começar. Quem é o proponente Patricia Regina Ferreira Passarela Há 25 anos sou artesã, oficio que pratico cotidianamente como um meio alternativo de gerar renda. Desde o rompimento da barragem de Fundão comecei a participar da Comissão de Atingidos e, consequentemente a refletir e vivenciar os danos que esse crime trouxe para a minha comunidade, Taquaras/Esmeraldas. No meio do sofrimento me tornei uma referência para a minha comunidade: faço reuniões com a ATI, MPMG, Estado, Movimentos Sociais, entre outros que cotidianamente acediam a comunidade. Tornei uma referência para repassar informação e para "representar" a minha comunidade nos fóruns da reparação, mas cotidianamente me sinto pressionada e gostaria de contribuir com a geração de renda e com o fortalecimento da cidadania e da luta pelo direito à reparação e farei isso por meio da formação de grupos de jovens e mulheres em artesanato. aporte financeiro R$2.400,00 O valor será utilizado para compra de matéria prima e ferramentas. Venderemos o máximo de produtos que forem produzidos nesta etapa e a venda será dentro da própria comunidade. Nossa visão é gerar R$5.000,00 com o investimento e, desta forma comprar mais materiais

Melbourne (Inactief) – Ectodermal dysplasia camp

2021-03-30T00:00:00Z
OzED is a support group here for families & friends who have or know someone with Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED). The organisation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people whose lives are affected by Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED). Each year, OzED hosts a camphrence (camp/conference) for all families. This event is hosted and staffed by Purple Soup. Purple Soup was founded by Tim Marchinton and the organisation offers cutting-edge adventure therapy programs that are designed to focus on the psychosocial and emotional aspects of conditions such as ED. While health professionals are often able to help with the medical aspects of these illnesses, it is the emotional aspects that can have a lasting impact on patients and their families as many young people with chronic illnesses feel socially isolated, uncertain about their future and fearful of not being able to achieve their life goals. Purple Soup’s programs use the therapeutic aspects of adventure to empower and enhance the quality of life of these young people. While still a relatively new therapeutic field in Australia, significant research conducted overseas has shown that adventure therapy - coupled with conventional medicine - enhances quality of life and increases the chance of successful long-term treatment. Purple Soup receives no government or philanthropic funding. Instead, Tim undertakes team-building activities for corporations all over Australia, channelling the profits from these directly into the adventure therapy programs.