Awesome Foundation - Projecten

Newcastle – Between The Lines

2019-07-04T00:00:00Z

We are an art gallery in Tighes hill, that serves up a hot cup of coffee 7 days a week and exhibits local artists and facilitates musical performances on a monthly basis. I wanted to take the current formula for a gallery and flip it to a more inclusive and active one. The more people who get a chance to showcase their work in our community the better. I hope to continue this lively space and am making sure the artist comes first. I have been covering costs of exhibitions by being crafty and gaining sponsors and help from friends and family to pull it all together. everything you see in the gallery has been made by me or my brother or found on the side of the road. completely recycled.. even the art rails are old floor boards. i designed the hook system and even the coffee machine and grinder were gifted to me by friends in the industry. this is a real community based business and i have been working 7 days a week for the past three months to make sure this can continue. its hardly work though, i get to practice music in the quiet periods and hangout with interesting and wonderful people everyday. Having started this with very little money pushes me to be entrepreneurial and reach out for opportunities like this one!

North Minneapolis, MN – JEWELS Mentoring Experience

2019-07-01T00:00:00Z

My awesome project is the Re-Launch of JEWELS Mentoring Experience 2019-2020 into a year long opportunity. It will consist of monthly gatherings for Princesses and young Queens to be affirmed in and reminded of their God-Given Worth and Value. Monthly Gatherings will consist of Outdoor Luncheon and Tie Dye, Fitness Day,Movie Night, Half Day Summit, Paint Night, Meal Preparation, Overnight Lock-In Experience,Vision Board Party, Exposure to and time with Adult Mentors.

Alaska (Inactief) – Esther Shea Native Arts Institute for Youth

2019-06-30T00:00:00Z

To preserve and perpetuate Tongass Tlingit culture, art, language and heritage. Our first goal is to hold the Esther Shea native arts Institute for youth in August 2019. This institute will be held in Ketchikan Alaska, and will offer art classes such as form line design with Nathan Jackson, how we heal tool kit from first Alaskans Institute, Tlingit song and dance, drum making and Tlingit language.

Disability – Uro

2019-06-30T00:00:00Z

My current research looks at the boundaries of health and nutrition, looking at how nutrition and art can support better mental health. I want to explore the notion of social prescription and health- the proposition of self-care as a socially prescribed medication. Living with a hidden disability is something that has affected my life in many ways than one. My project is about reclaiming my body through performance; being bold and speaking out against the stigma that comes with dealing with mental health. My project is about speaking out about depression, I have lived my life with the shadow of shame, feeling afraid to talk about depression. not knowing how to ask for help because of fear of being judged. Uro which means clay in English is an opportunity to silence the judgments and explore how art can support equality and promote boldness in times of fear. ‘Uro’, explore's the ideas of dying and rebirth; depression as an awaking rather than a silencing. I live in a body that is multi-dimensional, a body with many historical labels and I exist in a world where human relations have become a factor in the way we see and experience each other. In addition to, the need for justice and the desire to be a voice for the voiceless. The idea of the ‘other’, the concepts of a racial mindset and the domination of a human-centered world also informs my work. In everything I do, I try to question; I work with the issues that impact me and those around me. I don’t want to be in the army, nor do I want to be a politician, so through performance I pick up my pickets and walk the protest line. Life informs my work, whether it be my life experiences or my need to bring light to the experiences of the marginalised. This is not an ideology…. If art can not speak for the underdogs, then what is its relevance? What our grantee is saying: "To be awarded the Awesome Disability Award is a life source for someone like me. I have suffered in silence for many years, not knowing how to get help or who to go to in order to be helped. My project is about depression and this award gives me the opportunity to speak out and be bold about what depression really means for black women like me. This award alone gives me a boldness, I have lived in a shadow and now because of the Awesome Foundation, I am able to stand tall and stand strong in my visibility as someone living and working through an unseen disability''. Photo by Guido Mencari / www.gmencari.com

Liverpool (Inactief) – Convenience Gallery Workshops & Market Project

2019-06-30T00:00:00Z

The Convenience Gallery is into its second month. We have continued to operate as self funded and had our first Affordable Workshop on the 22nd June. Our space has really taken shape and we've had a really positive response and engagement so far. We had a mixture of people attend, from market goers, to those who've heard about us online. We felt this was a really positive start. With participants staying over an hour. We believe with more time and finance, we can continue to turn this into something really positive with a mixture of affordable (£5-£10) and free workshops. This would be opportunity to engage with the local community as well as drawing on the one we have created through our Open Call, and early engagement process. The Workshops will run alongside a project we have planned based on the market. We are inviting artists to work in our space, creating new work based on this area and market. The £500 will be distributed over the two months to the workshops and market project. These two months should benefit both artists and the local community. We have an artist Ellie Brennan, who makes artwork through fabric and rug making techniques. She will be working on the market project - all the artists in this project will have access to use our gallery as studio hot desk space for free across the month long project in August. We have discussed the costing of her workshop with her and have based our costing off of artist feedback and personal experience running workshops. We hope through the project we strengthen our relationship with locals, other stall holders and artists. Throughout the project we want it to give access to techniques that may not be readily available as well as highlighting what the market has still to offer. We intend to then help establish a workshop programme in other venues, where the artists can continue beyond this programme, having got the equipment to continue this with the money received.

Los Angeles, CA – Bike Camp 2019

2019-06-29T00:00:00Z

The goal of UCP-OC’s Bike Camp is simple but life-changing: to teach children with special needs how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. From Monday, August 5th, to Friday, August 9th, UCP-OC and the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County will hold Bike Camp 2019, a fun and hope-building community event that will draw around 40 families of children with disabilities and nearly twice as many passionate community volunteers. Children with special needs are often defined by the things they “cannot do” and because of this, end up with activities avoided and experiences denied. UCP-OC’s Bike Camp works to roll back this thinking. Bike Camp gives children the opportunity to learn a skill that demonstrates their ability to live independently and is proven to have lifelong mental and physical benefits. Learning to ride a bike opens the door for a child to increase their self-esteem, confidence, and socialization skills. Furthermore, riding is associated with increased muscle strength, bone development, and motor planning for children with disabilities, who often spend a majority of their time sitting or laying down. Bike Camp is an awesome event because of the awesome children we will see ride a bike for the very first time—a proud and unforgettable moment for any child. Bike Camp 2019 will take place at Soka University over five days during daily riding sessions. Each child will be placed in a “camper group” and paired with one or two trained volunteers who will teach them how to ride a bicycle. UCP-OC’s staff and volunteers are highly-qualified in their ability to care for our kids and provide them with a safe, fun, and exciting opportunity to learn and create friendships. UCP-OC would be thrilled to partner with the Foundation to deliver Bike Camp 2019. A grant award could be recognized at the event and in UCP-OC’s newsletter. Additionally, the Awesome Foundation would be printed on the Bike Camp t-shirt worn by all of our incredible campers and volunteers.

Yerevan – Awesome Art Playground

2019-06-27T00:00:00Z

Awesome Art Playground-ի շրջանակներում թիմը կբարեկարգի Երևանում գտնվող բաց խաղադաշտերից մեկը՝ հաղորդելով դրան չկրկնվող տեսք։ Արտերկրից հատուկ հրավիրված սթրիտ արտ նկարիչները կմիավորվեն տեղացի արվեստագետների հետ՝ վերածելով խաղադաշտը բաց երկնքի տակ գտնվող կտավի և խաղադաշտն ավելի գրավիչ կդարձնեն երեխաների և, ինչու ոչ՝ մեծահասակների համար: Դաշտի վրա կարվեն նաև հատուկ գծանշումներ, այդպիսով ավելի հարմար կդառնա բակային բասկետբոլ խաղալը: Նմանատիպ նախագծեր աշխարհում շատ քիչ կան, ուստի Awesome Art Playground-ը նաև գրավիչ կլինի սթրիտ արտը գնահատող զբոսաշրջիկների համար՝ դառնալով Երևանի բակային սպորտի և արվեստի այցեքարտերից մեկը:

Birmingham, AL (Inactief) – Airbnb X Vinegar

2019-06-27T00:00:00Z

In September 2019, Vinegar is launching a new project called Airbnb X Vinegar. It is a collaboration with a local owner of a Airbnb within the city of Birmingham and Vinegar, an artist collective. Vinegar will be curating several site specific installations within the rental over the course of six months, it will be an immersive Vinegar experience where the guest can contemplate contemporary art within their stay. Besides a opening and artist/curator talk with each show, the installation will be open to the public once a month. Our goal is to showcase artists from all over the United States, including Birmingham and connect them to visitors of our city and the local community.

Boston, MA – Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios

2019-06-27T00:00:00Z

Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios is a community arts, design and placemaking initiative designed to support local artists, promote arts vibrancy in Mattapan and meet community development outcomes. Through free and inclusive activities and events, artist exhibits, performances and we will provide pop-up artisan markets, we will: 1. Build community; 2. Promote the local arts, cultural fabric, economy (creative economy) and; 3. Celebrate and uplift the built and cultural environments of Mattapan. The “open streets” is about beautifying the built environment. We do this though Design Challenges. These are projects where following brainstorming sessions, residents and design partners are teamed up to create a functional art project (like decorative seating, murals, etc). The idea is for the creation to serve a functional purpose to the community. Each team will be given a small budget to design, fabricate and install a project (in compliance with specific guidelines) to transform existing spaces. Project ideas include but are not limited to bike racks, designing street furniture and mural contests. Projects can be temporary or permanent, as long as they meet our equitable placemaking guidelines (see on our website). The aim is to engage residents to work with partners to identify long term solutions to local landscape issues through collaboratively created functional art that both meet a need identified by the community and are accessible. Residents have brainstormed over 30 projects ideas at multiple different sites around the neighborhood. The goal now is to make these projects happen and come alive.

San Antonio, TX – Sew Much Fun

2019-06-26T00:00:00Z

Teaching students the basic of sewing by hand and with a sewing machine. To learn all the techniques of the machine including, using thread needles, fabric and patterns to learn to create small items first. The goal is to get them excited about sewing, continuing to learn how to create their own designs. Whether it is fashion or accessories, the goal is to have them learn to engineer items by their own hands. If we can get them involved in their own designs, we can encourage them to be more creative in their lives. We have hosted a fashion show every year for two years promoting their garments and accessories. Our students are from all walks of life and all sorts of disabilities. We show positive reinforcement of the craft and willing to learn. Most of our students, have gone on to universities to study fashion or the fashion industry. Some of the other techniques we go on to teach are: Embroidery Beading Crocheting Knitting Polymer Clay Pattern making Pattern design Paper Mache Please consider us for this awesome Project!

Melbourne (Inactief) – Now You See Us

2019-06-26T00:00:00Z

Dinosaur. Now You See Us is a magic show starring 3 female magicians. Uncommon and unique, the aim of this show is to shine the spotlight on women in magic. There are approximately 100 male magicians for every 1 female magician in Australia? It is my hope that this project will be the first of many that will contribute change to that imbalance. My aim with this project has been to establish strong connections between young women currently practising magic in order to encourage them to stay in the industry and to give them a platform to learn the process of producing their own shows through rehearsals, content decisions, photo shoots, sending press releases, writing scripts, etc. In my work with young magicians I have noted that it’s the relationships formed with those who share our passion and are our peers that keep us engaged in the industry. It’s this connectedness and the forming of friendships and alliances that I’m interested in strengthening in my fellow female magi. About the show: Nicola Gidley (17), Prue Spencer (14) and Lee Cohen (35) are challenging the traditional view that magicians are usually men with their show titled “Now You See Us" being presented at the 2019 Melbourne Magic Festival. This fresh new collaborative work aims to highlight both the individual skills of its unique cast as well as seeing them work together to present magic that shows they have the skills (and sass!) to rival their male counterparts. Prue and Nicola have both been 1st place winners at the Australian Junior Championships of Magic and Lee, having performed magic since the age of 8, has performed and taught in Australia and overseas. With regular workshops at Arts Centre Melbourne she is also the former President of the Australian Institute of Magic. In an industry that has strong stereotypes we challenge our potential audience: “we would love to see you, NOW, will YOU SEE US?”

Baltimore, MD – Snowballtimore

2019-06-25T00:00:00Z

For the past three years, I’ve been working on a project called Snowballtimore. Throughout the summer of 2016, I visited over a dozen local snowball stands in Baltimore including Walther Gardens (the oldest snowball stand in the country!), One Sweet Moment, Elizabeth & Zyggie’s, Sensational Snowballs, and Summer Delights. I documented the architecture of each snowball stand in the early morning before the stand opened for the day. I then returned to the stand to order what I considered to be the most unique snowball flavor on the menu and photographed the snowball. I illustrated a map of the locations of each stand and assembled the photographs and map into a small zine (booklet). Each stand has its pros and cons: for example, Elizabeth & Zyggies has the best ice, but Sensational Snowballs has the best marshmallow. I highlight these traits in posters I’ve been designing since that first summer doing research. In addition to designing printed matter, I’ve continued to document, research, and write about snowball stands in Baltimore. My goal with this project is to establish Snowballtimore as an authority and archive for this unique Baltimore tradition and actively share the project (something I haven’t really done up to this point). I plan on building a website that will feature each snowball stand and include interviews with the owners and customers. I want to feature the posters I’ve designed so that website visitors can download them for free and print them out. In addition, I want to have posters printed and distribute them to each stand so that they can be given out to customers. I want to print out the booklets and distribute them for free in neighborhoods throughout the city. I want to publicly “certify” city snowball stands as being recognized by the Snowballtimore project by offering Snowballtimore flags and stickers to be displayed at each stand. I will continue to research the snowball tradition in Baltimore and include that history on the website.

New York City, NY – A game of cat and mouse

2019-06-25T00:00:00Z

The AwesomeNYC trustees are big fans of science, and big fans of hustle, so we loved talking to Laura Plimpton, a Masters candidate working in the Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University. We love that her research centers on the understudied urban wildlife of New York City, but will have very real impact on every day New Yorkers - specifically the recent spread of ticks (and the diseases they carry) into the urban environment. **It is our hope that by helping to fund this research, Laura will both be able to help raise awareness of the impact of ticks in the city, while showing that you don't ever have to leave this town to get out and study nature.** In her own words: _As someone who grew up in NYC, finding opportunities to not only be in nature but also make a career out of it are difficult to come by, and projects like these help give budding urban ecologists the experience they need to create a career out of their love for wildlife!_ _From Tom and Jerry to Puss in Boots, many have been fascinated by the relationship between cats and mice._ _But beyond cartoons, this predator-prey relationship has large implications on infectious disease risks for human populations. Lyme disease transmission depends on the interaction between blacklegged ticks and a number of wildlife hosts, most notably, the white-footed mouse. Previous studies have speculated the benefit that predators of white-footed mice and other hosts, such as deer, might have through lowering the prevalence of the disease by reducing the number of hosts carrying tick vectors or the pathogen itself._ _However, in the northeastern United States where Lyme disease is extremely prevalent but predators of hosts are scarce, the hypothesis remains difficult to test. With the recent expansion of Lyme disease into urban areas, such as Staten Island, New York City, and an estimated population of 500,000 feral cat predators across New York City, urban parks offer an ideal system to test the predator hypothesis._ _This project examines the impact of New York City’s feral cat population on the Lyme disease system as a predator of the main host of the disease, the white-footed mouse. We aim to determine if cats eat white-footed mice and if their presence in urban parks alters the movement of mice and the likelihood of a mouse encountering a tick, both of which may have implications for urban Lyme disease prevalence._ _In short, it asks the age-old question, will a cat keep the mice at bay?_

Miami, FL – Colors of the City

2019-06-24T00:00:00Z

A 5-week summer intensive artist residency for youth (8-11 years old). Exploring different mediums, and exposing processes of creation to youth in order for them to strengthen their own existing artistic abilities. The youth participating are all being chosen from Kelsey Pharr elementary school in Liberty City (3rd, 4th and 5th graders). The youth chosen to participate in this program met two criteria, an interest in art and curiosity to explore past their current knowledge. The residency will take youth through the process of planning what art medium(s) and work they would like to accomplish within the five weeks. The goal by the end of the art residency is to have completed works from each youth artist, help them create their portfolios, help them apply to art-driven middle schools (if and when applicable), and most importantly a closing exhibition. At the closing exhibition we would like to help the youth curate, explain and price/sell their own work.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Hello Gold Mountain

2019-06-24T00:00:00Z

HELLO GOLD MOUNTAIN is an original composition by Wu Fei for chamber orchestra, performed by chatterbird ensemble, featuring Wu Fei on guzheng and Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (Silk Road Ensemble) on oud — the traditional Chinese and Jewish plucked string instruments respectively. The work is inspired by real stories of Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai from Europe before and during World War II, and built lives in China. From 1933 until the end of the war, Shanghai was often the only port at which Jewish refugees fleeing Europe could disembark without a visa. In the early 1940s, more than 20,000 Jews lived in Shanghai and contributed to its cultural and civic life. But the Jews could not stay. As China’s bloody civil war came to a close in 1949, most fled. Many emigrated to the US, often arriving at the port of San Francisco, or Old Gold Mountain 旧金山. What possibilities were lost because the times did not allow neighbors from these different cultures to grow old together, sharing songs and stories? This project shines a light on the loss of identity caused by displacement, while celebrating the cultural enrichment that happens when we open ourselves to the lived experiences of others. It honors the memory of these refugees, highlighting the connections to the current landscape, and bearing witness to the important and difficult work that is being done every day to create positive change. Hello Gold Mountain premiered February 2019 at Vanderbilt University's Ingram Hall in Nashville, TN. The premiere was accompanied with a range of community activities presented in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee as well as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. In 2020, we will tour the work for the first time.

Chicago, IL – Community-Based Scent Education

2019-06-24T00:00:00Z

After a successful first workshop, the Community-Based Olfactory Research Group (CBORG) is using participant feedback to plan our next series of workshops. The biggest problem we had was a shortage in equipment, as all current equipment is sourced from the lead artist/researchers’ own inventory. Workshops require each participant to use a mix of tools, and we experienced severe bottlenecks as attendees had to share key equipment. Funding will allow us to address this problem, experiment with new topics (e.g. gas sensors) to incorporate, and then host our new expanded and improved workshop. CBORG is a new roving research team working to make sensory education and research more widely accessible to communities around Chicago. We believe that our sense of smell is a skill and way of knowing the world that has been devalued by systems of power for centuries. In an attempt to reclaim this embodied knowledge as a site of legitimate learning, we’re beginning our collaboration with this series of workshops combining a primer in fragrance blending with an introduction to programming open-source hardware (Arduino microcontrollers), resulting in the creation of DIY diffusers (with a microcontroller and a custom-made scent) that the participants take home. Our work is deeply community-based - we believe that people gathering to learn more about the powers of their bodies is radical and generative, and we’re committed to bringing these workshops to all parts of the city. Countering the historic inaccessibility of olfactory education, we are attempting to eliminate as many barriers as possible for folks to be able to participate in the work. Our programming will always be free (including take-home projects), and we serve snacks at every workshop. We’d like to also begin giving out transit passes to cover participants’ transportation costs.

Aviano (Inactief) – Aviano Architecture

2019-06-24T00:00:00Z

We’re taking photos and doing drawings of some of the most interesting architecture of Aviano. The idea is to help preserve it by making local people aware of what beautiful things they have inside of their own town.

Washington, DC – Very Sad Lab

2019-06-23T00:00:00Z

"VERY SAD LAB is a houseplant rehabilitation and research center in DC. The lab offers free rehabilitation for the sad plants and also helps plant owners learn to better care for their plants. The lab acts as a resource for plant care and gardening techniques for all DC residents. Over the duration of the lab, visitors are invited to bring in sad plants for recovery and/or participate in many unique programming including online plant clinic, Yoga Nidra for plants and owners, indoor gardening skill sessions and more. Recovery progress will be recorded through printed zines and an online blog, and these materials will be available to the public as living knowledge base. Upon recovery, the plant will be returned to the owners or offered up for adoption in cases of owner surrender. Although the main location of VERY SAD LAB is located in an artist’s studio in Georgetown, we are excited to collaborate with DC Public Libraries on programming and other opportunities for resource, knowledge, and skill sharing. Proposed programming with the DC Libraries may include opening a pop-up plant clinic, facilitating a plant adoption event, and building a special collection of plant care and urban gardening books and zines which VERY SAD LAB will curate and write reviews on each book to further share information and resources more widely with the public."

Libraries (Inactief) – ALA 2019 (Awesome DC + Awesome Libraries Pitch)

2019-06-22T00:00:00Z

On June 22nd, during the American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington DC, Awesome Libraries teamed up with Awesome DC to throw a collaborative live pitch event at OpenGov Hub. Over 100 folks registered to attend and sponsors included: OpenGovHub, EveryLibrary Institute, and B.Lin Catering. Guest judges included: Kim Zablud, DC Public Library's Director of Public services Courtney Young, University Librarian at Colgate University and the 2014-2015 American Library Association President Overall, 6 finalists were chosen to pitch their library-related ideas and three grants were awarded: DC-related grant winner: Building Equitable Neighborhoods with Entrepreneurial Library Innovation by Shenita Ann Grymes A plan to build a little library in DC's Ward 7 to provide person-centered entrepreneurship resources curated for its community. Library-related grant winner: School of Cosplay by Tanya Knipprath 12 cosplay or crossplay workshops wherein participants will make their own costumes in collaboration with members of the community. Audience choice award: Very Sad Lab by Naoko Wowsugi and Valerie Wiseman A house plant rehabilitation and research center in DC. *During the event the Awesome Foundation grant clocked hit $4 million dollars in grants distributed. We like to think our event put it over the top!

Washington, DC – B.E.N. with E.L.I.

2019-06-22T00:00:00Z

We are looking to establish a little library for the adult population that focuses on trades, skill development and self help! We have many resources for the youth yet in most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods the adult population is not afforded the same attention. This effort is being introduced after countless missed opportunities to enhance the literary capacity of our adult population whom are in the home educating their children. In addition, our specific community in the Ward 7 district neighborhoods of Nannie-Helen Burroughs, Lincoln Heights and Clay-Terrace Housing, we have found that may adults have time and energy on their hands to build community gardens, start landscaping businesses and the like.... This project would spearhead efforts of entrepreneurship, empowerment through knowledge and build a sense of community pride.

Gloucester, MA – Cape Ann Community Boating

2019-06-21T00:00:00Z

Hello Awesome Gloucester! Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this grant. Cape Ann Community Boating is a non-profit working closely with the City of Gloucester and private donors to create a public boating center on Cape Ann. The plan is to provide small watercraft such as sailboats and rowboats, so that residents can have affordable access. With sliding scale pricing and scholarships, membership is intended to be available to anyone who is interested. It is our belief that through working with individuals and families on Cape Ann we can promote environmental stewardship and healthy living. Cape Ann is known for its heritage, vibrant culture and devotion to the sea. Our Founder and President, Guy Fiero, has been instructing sailing in Gloucester harbor for more than fifteen years. He first began working with Gloucester’s little-known public sailing program in 1997. Originally established in 1989, it was first overseen by the City of Gloucester. The YMCA then took over the program in the early 2000s. Last summer they ended the program after 29 years. Today CACB is here to keep this tradition alive! Thanks to a generous donation from the YMCA, we currently have 3 Rhodes Design Keelboats, a C420 tandem racing sailboat, a Boston Whaler, permission to tie up at the Harbormaster’s dock and use of a float off the State Fish Pier. We also occupy a small office space in the Fitz Henry Lane House, kindly granted by Mayor Sefatia Romeo Thekan.

Newmarket – Naturally Mindful

2019-06-21T00:00:00Z

Mental Health and Wellbeing is an epidemic. Children today spend an average of 7 minutes outside everyday. Our extreme excessive use and constant access to technology is proving to cause what is known as Nature Deficit Disorder. Children do not know how to balance, climb, measure risks, build a fire, find their way out of a forest, so many life skills that this generation simply do not have. Mindfulness and Outdoor Learning program will provide children in the Newmarket community aged 3- 12 years old with the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, engage in unstructured and supervised risky play, and further develop life skills. Through week long sessions our students will have an opportunity to experience forest school, learning hands on about their environment, learning first to understand in order to develop a sense of care for our environment and community around them through an emergent based approach allowing inquiries, curiosities and discoveries to guide their learning. Our daily mindfulness practice incorporated through sit spots, sensory walks, sound mapping and various other activities will help children develop an understanding of themselves, their emotions and improve self-regulation skills, reducing anxiety and building confidence and esteem through sense of self. Providing young children with opportunities to learn in nature, take risks and lead their learning is essential in developing resiliency, problem solving skills, self awareness, children learning their own boundaries. Learning coping strategies is crucial in developing children in order to control emotions and support overall wellbeing. Mindfulness activities outdoors will strengthen children's observation skills using their senses and investigating the natural world. These opportunities provide children with the chance to connect deeply to nature, developing a love for the outdoors. Repeated opportunities in nature ultimately lead to children caring for and sustaining our environment.

Oklahoma City, OK (Inactief) – Enriching Cultural Roots

2019-06-20T00:00:00Z

Back in late 2000, I started the "Eterna Primavera Guatemalan Folklore Group." I noticed that kids with Latin-American roots from countries such as Guatemala and Mexico, in a very short time forget about their rich heritage and get into bad habits. There was a need for these kids to gain self confidence and be proud of their background. To preserve the tradition, I organized classes for free and began to teach young girls and boys about Guatemalan folklore. My hope is through dance the children will develop emotionally, socially and have the focus and discipline to complete any task in front of them. Eterna primavera has performed in many different activities in and around Oklahoma city and the life skills learned will transfer over to school, work and other aspects of their lives.

Lake Mac – Mount Hutton Tennis Club- Kids Court & Playground!

2019-06-20T00:00:00Z

My project is to construct an enclosed mini tennis court and play area at Mount Hutton Tennis Courts! The tennis courts currently have an undercover BBQ area and what I'm attempting to do is create a safe and secure place for kids to play while friends/families play tennis or waiting for their own turn to play tennis. I spent last year fundraising money holding community events at the tennis courts and running a Cadbury Fundraiser, which successfully earned $1000 profit that allowed me to complete stage 1 of the project- which was getting a fully enclosed pool fence around the area. The area is now fully enclosed with magnetic lock gates, so kids can be left there safely to play! The whole theory behind the project is to get people of all ages out exercising and socializing, plus of course playing tennis! Unfortunately tennis is a dying sport in Lake Macquarie/Newcastle, with numbers of players drastically decreasing every year. As an avid tennis player myself, my goal is to bring tennis back and easily accessible to all people, ranging from 3 year olds to 99 years plus! This allows parents to play while kids are safe, plus provides an area for children! Stage 2 of the project involves leveling and cementing the play area, then painting it with the "bright blue" tennis court paint (it's called acyrillic resurfacer, it's the final layer of a tennis court that makes cushions the surface from the concrete below. Makes them look all glossy like at the Australian Open too!" I have sourced someone who is willing to supply all the materials for $1000, so when I saw this opportunity I had to apply! If we were to secure the money we would hold a community working bee to get the works done. I have a friend experienced in tennis court laying so he will lead the way for us volunteers! Then all we have to do is fundraise for the remaining toys/equipment to fill the area, plus a tennis net to go in the middle. We have already received many generous donations of these items!

Pittsburgh, PA – brunchaus

2019-06-17T00:00:00Z

•“brunchaus” is a quarterly daytime brunch and electronic house music event series in Pittsburgh with 2 successful events in 2018. •goals / objectives: brunchaus artfully highlights seasonal produce and increases access to fresh vegetarian/vegan food in Pittsburgh. brunchaus facilitates new connections by creating an open and comfortable space for locals and visitors to gather and try new things (food, music, art), relax, and experience their own personal adventure. All are encouraged to explore their own personal interests with the support and company of open and non-judgmental individuals. •brunch: for brunchaus, we procure seasonal, sustainable, and often rescued produce from distributor Hungry Harvest at wholesale prices to create vibrant and tasty plant-based meals and beverages with gluten free options available. •music / entertainment: local and regional musical artists such as Boo Lean, Davis, DJ Marie, and 0h85 play funk, disco, and electronic house music adding a lively and welcoming tone to this home-y event. Community craft projects, such as collaborative drawing, encourage people to actively and creatively interact with one another throughout the event. •logistics: members of Queerling Collective donate the use of their equipment and time at each event. Volunteers are encouraged to help with set-up, food preparation, and break-down with the shared intention of learning to operate technical aspects involved in DIY events. At past brunch events, we have requested attendees to donate as able to cover the cost of production. So far, all of the donations went towards the cost of food. Essentially, we had a bounty of produce, but were unable to monetarily support the DJs, chefs, and event managers. As a token of gratitude, we encouraged these folks to take whatever remaining produce they desired. •community investment: this season, we will donate all unused produce to 412 Food Rescue to further share these resources with the local community.

Artsakh (Inactief) – Քո ստեղծած գրքով դեպի մեծ հեքիաթ

2019-06-16T00:00:00Z

Լինելով արվեստագետ, ով նկարելուց զատ գրում է, հետաքրքրությամբ սկսեցի ուսումնասիրել գրքարվեստն ու գրքի ստեղծման տեխնիկաները: Ինքս ցանկացա գրքեր ստեղծել` ամբողջովին ձեռքով, առանց տպագրական միջամտության: Գրքարվեստը դեռևս վաղուց եղել է Հայաստանում: Ինչևէ`յուրացնելով գրքի մի տեխնիկա, որը կոնկրետ ծագումնաբանություն չունի, սկսեցի գրքեր պատրաստել և ոչ միայն: Տվյալ կերպով գրքի պատրաստման տեխնիկան և հետաքրքիր է, և յուրօրինակ ու չկրկնվող, այնքան վառ ու մոտիվացնող, որ ստիպում է կաղապարներից ազատվել ու այն օգտագործել գրքից բացի մեկ այլ հարթակում: Ֆոտոգիրք, սեփական մտքերի թռիչքով ստեղծված մի այլ բան,որ կարող է դառնալ այս տեխնիկայով պատրաստված գիրքը: Ինքս նման գրքեր պատրաստելով` հետաքրքրվողների շրջանակ եմ ստեղծել, պատվերներ վերցնելով` տան պայմաններում վաստակել: Այս տեխնիկան երկարատև է, բայց ոչ այնքան բարդ. պատրաստելու համար նկարիչ լինելը պարտադիր չէ: Յուրաքանչյուրն այն կարող է իրագործել սեփական երևակայությանն համապատասխան: Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի շատ գյուղերում, ստվերում ապրող երեխաներին լուսավորելու ու գույներ ներարկելու նպատակով իմ թիմով մեծ ցանկություն եմ հայտնում սովորեցնելու այս ամենը: Դասընթացին կարող են մասնակցել 10 տարեկանից բարձր երեխաներն ու պատանիները: Նպատակը հետևյալն է. յուրաքանչյուր մասնակցի հետ ստեղծել հեքիաթ, որից հետո հեքիաթի նկարազարդումներով վերոնշյալ տեխնիկայով պատրաստված գիրքը: Արդյունքում կլինի հեքիաթի գիրք, որը հեղինակային կլինի յուրաքանչյուր երեխայի համար, կբացահայտի` ինքն իր մեջ պարփակված ապագա ստեղծագործողին: Հեքիաթի գրքից զատ`ցանկացողներին կարող ենք սովորեցնել ֆոտոգրքի պատրաստում: Այս ամենի արդյունքն այյն կլինի, որ միտքը կսկսի նոր գաղափարներ ծնել` ի նպաստ հոգևորի և նյութականի ձեռքբերման: Գրքարվեստի այս ոլորտը քչերին է հայտնի, իսկ ես ցանկանում եմ այն կիսել այնպիսի մարդկանց հետ, որոնց միտքը կենցաղի հարթակից դուրս է թռչելու: Իսկ ծրագրի շրջանակներում ինձ կօգնի և երեխաներին ուլունքագործություն կսովորեցնի Նելլի Սարգսյանը:

Cass Clay – We Are More Alike Than Different

2019-06-15T00:00:00Z

For my awesome project I’d like to visit classrooms, day cares, afterschool programs and maybe even businesses to share my message: We Are More Alike Than Different. I already have about 15 classroom visits scheduled in May and would love to be able to do even more. I want to share my story with kids and help them learn that kids with disabilities are pretty awesome too! We might look a little different, or talk a little different but we have the same goals and dreams as everybody else. I think/hope my project will help kids think twice about bullying and being mean to others because of differences.

Orlando, FL – Pine Hills Community Mural

2019-06-14T00:00:00Z

Public murals help shape and define (or in some cases, re-brand) communities. Art can serve as an agent of change, and the distinctiveness of a particular mural is often a source of pride for community members. Due to the sheer amount of effort and logistics that accompanies planning and painting a mural, communities are energized and it encourages further development and stewardship. Recently we've experienced graffiti near an elementary school. This location is directly outside the Pine Hills branch of UCP of Central Florida. Beginning in 1955 as a therapy program, UCP serves students with and without disabilities from Pre-k to the 5th grade. UCP is also a Title 1 school. We recognize that children are our most precious resource and in an effort to shield them from graffiti, spur their imagination, and add more character to the Pine Hills community, we are painting a mural in the location that has been repeatedly gratified. We envision a mural that encompasses the diversity and dynamism of Pine Hills. At the moment we are developing possible designs for our future mural.

Austin, TX – Outsiders Anonymous

2019-06-14T00:00:00Z

We are a local nonprofit that exists to provide free fitness training and an awesome sober community to individuals in recovery from drugs and alcohol to help them run from relapse and lift themselves into a life worth living. We were birthed out of our research at the University of Texas which showed that physical activity reanimated neurotransmitter receptor sites in the brain during early recovery. This allows the individual to then experience positive mood states that they otherwise wouldn't have access to, significantly reducing relapse rates. The number one cited reason for relapse is a desire to experience any emotion, as biological changes in the brain leave the individual unable to feel, and by turning back to their drug of choice, the individual then experiences positive affect again. Our work then is to create a community to practically implement these findings. We go to rehab centers, sober homes, and hold classes at local parks and tracks for free(!!) to show people that life is something to be enjoyed and that they are truly capable of more than they know! Through workouts and eventually completing a Spartan Race (also free!), the individual struggling with addiction will begin to realize that they can achieve freedom through fitness. Recovery is the hardest thing anyone will ever do; we are trying to stack the deck in favor of success - help us even the odds a little more!

Buffalo, NY (Inactief) – Blessing Bags

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

The Buffalo chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is an independent, non-profit organization whose members seek the forgotten, the suffering, the deprived, and treat them with dignity and compassion. Our most relied upon programs is our meal and food distribution through our Dining Hall and Food Pantry and our Discount Clothing and Appliance shop. Five days a week, we serve a hot and delicious meal and provide fresh baked breads to go. Once a week, we open our food pantry of frozen donated foods for families and individuals to shop, assisted by volunteers. For both our bread and frozen item distributions, we require the recipient provide their own shopping bag which has customarily been a plastic shopping bag. Our store is open to the public assisting shoppers six days a week to obtain affordable clothing and household goods all bagged in plastic shopping bags upon purchase. With the looming threat of eliminating and/or taxing plastic shopping bags in favor of using reusable bags, our clients will experience yet another great hardship to obtain these bags which may lead to lack of food and even punishment by law. We unfortunately are also financially ill equipped to provide reusable bags so we ask the Awesome Foundation may help. We will use the $1,000 Awesome Grant to purchase reusable shopping bags for our food and clothing recipient’s that depend on us in these harsh economic times. We will also use these bags as a visual platform to spread the Vincentian message of environmental stewardship. Serving the less fortunate while protecting our environment truly is awesome!!!

Minas Gerais (Inactief) – O Ponto do Idealista

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

PIT STOP IDEAL UNIVERSAL Em consonância com o Movimento Internacional Idealista, o projeto mais Awesome de nossas fronteiras em Junho, do Wander Luiz Pio de Sena, criará Pontos Físicos Públicos e Privados denominados "O Ponto do Idealista" cuja infra estrutura é um totem multimídia, com tela touch screen para acesso ao endereços tidos como Pontos dos Idealistas Virtuais espalhados pelo Mundo. Um aplicativo, conectará Idealistas para atendimento a questões e para agendamento de encontros para confabular sobre Ideais. Assim, a ideia é que tenhamos, na geografia mundial, a longo prazo, pontos oficiais onde se conspira pelo bem e onde se encontra seres com os mesmos sonhos! Saiba mais sobre o movimento idealista em: www.idealist.org/agir QUE SEJA AWESOME

Newcastle – Newcastle Dog Day

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

Pound Paws presents ‘Honeysuckle Dog Day', a community place-making initiative to help raise awareness about pet adoption & build a strong sense of community within the Newcastle community. This paw-some (ha ha) project will consist of 15 stalls, live entertainment (dog shows), acoustic music, food (encouraging attendees to sit/eat and enjoy the event), as well as dogs available for adoption. The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness about pet adoption, by including local rescue groups and pounds in the event, showcasing their pets available for adoption. We will also educate attendees about responsible pet ownership, and include services like; free vet checks, free micro-chipping and much more.

Ottawa – 613 Day Block Party

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

June’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to the co-founders and volunteers of Apartment613 to support a free block party and mini-festival that will celebrate the city, as well as the 10th birthday of the Apt613 blog. “613 Day,” explains Philippe Ha, Apt613’s Community Manager, “is a one-day, open-source festival that happens every year on June 13th – 6/13 – when the people, companies, and organizations of Ottawa host small events to celebrate the diversity and awesomeness of our city. So it’s sort of like Canada Day, but for Ottawa!” “The 2019 block party,” he continues, “is just one event in a citywide movement that looks to celebrate Ottawa year after year on 6/13. This year just happens to be Apt613’s tenth anniversary, so we couldn’t think of a better way to thank the city than with a free event alongside volunteers, friends, neighbours, some cake, and a few balloons.” “We've acquired permits to close the street outside Happy Goat Coffee on Laurel and to extend their patio for the evening. We've also invited DJs and visual artists, a food truck, a couple of breweries, and a few other local pop-ups to participate. Join us 5 à 7 for birthday cake, and as day turns into night stick around to meet new people, and for local music, art exhibitions, food vendors, and street-side activities.” More details about the block party are available at apt613.ca. It runs from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Apt613 is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization whose main activity is apt613.ca, an award-winning blog dedicated to uncovering the best of Ottawa’s arts and culture.

Louisville, KY (Inactief) – LGBTQ+ Friendly Healthcare Providers

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

Here at Queer Kentucky, our mission is to bolster and embrace Queer Kentucky culture through stories, art, and action. We are working to create a larger platform with informational articles that affect the Queer community of Kentucky. One of the struggles we face is finding doctors and medical facilities that are understanding, compassionate and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. We are already working with an investigative reporter on this project and we would love to compensate them for their work.

Louisville, KY (Inactief) – Derby City CARES Mentoring Movement: THE RISING

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

Derby City CARES Mentoring Movement--Community Wellness and Wealth-Building Circles (Community Circles): are opportunities for wellness healing gatherings through which we are deepening our reach into struggling African American communities. Charged by the National office (National CARES Mentoring Movement) to galvanizing on the local level through affiliate leaders to implement healing circles in their respective cities, Community Circles provide a safe place for reflection and connection, where our mentors and other community leaders can learn to relieve the debilitating stress too many of us shroud in silence. Anchored by our culturally specific curriculum, Community Circles provide able adults needed health and wellness support and best-practices in community and mentor engagement, ensuring a pipeline of healthy, caring adults who are emotionally, physically and financially stable, and who will love and guide our children to total well being. In these gatherings we acknowledge the historical and intergenerational toxic stress that is at the root of many of the debilitating, but preventable, diseases that lead to premature mortality among African Americans - at every economic strata. From this place of acknowledgement CARES facilitators lead participants toward self-discovery through proven principles and practices that affirm our humanity, resilience and ancestry. Together, community participants learn and practice stress-management techniques that foster psychological and physiological balance and well being, and, ultimately, allow individuals to self-heal. Our curriculum deepens pride in Black heritage and what African Americans have survived and achieved. In Circle, mutuality is built, and spirituality and faith are honored. Our innovative curriculum has a strong focus on rooting economic independence within Black communities, encouraging civic engagement and support for strengthening local Black institutions, including our media organizations.

Fleurieu – Tick Tock - Music Video

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

TICK TOCK (Music Video) Directed by Albert Jamae & Loren Kate Music & Lyrics by Loren Kate Produced by Albert Jamae As the old adage goes ‘give a man a fish and feed him for a day – teach him to fish and feed him for life’. Awareness of mental health is something we’re all familiar with but empowering those in despair is potentially the way forward. This project is a collaboration between two award winning creatives who reside in the Fleurieu region who share a passion for improving the quality of life in our community. The aim of the project is to use as many locals as possible (on screen and off) in helping to bring the project to fruition. It's to be released during mental health week for any organization (and beyond) to show the clip in a hope of inspiring others to find courage to hold on and know they're not alone. We believe our job as community members is to find ways to empower those experiencing despair (or those supporting them), so they can have the strength to carry themselves forwards. It’s the actions we choose or not choose to take that make the difference. Tick Tock…the time is now.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) – Vpershe

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Why our project is awesome? In Ukraine, the rates of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, as well as unwanted teenage pregnancies are the highest in Europe, while the tolerance level to LGBTQ is among the lowest. One of the reasons for it is very low sexual literacy among the population. There is no sexual education in schools, and often the topic of sex and sexuality is taboo at homes. We strive to solve this problem by creating an online-platform that serves as an inclusive space and provides scientifically-based and easy to understand information on the topics of sex and sexuality, tolerance and inclusion, gender equality and feminism, consent and ethical aspects of sex and relationships, LGBTQ support, and prevention of rape and abuse, HIV/AIDS and other STIs, unwanted teenage pregnancies, bullying and slut-shaming. Another aspect of the website is stories of grown-ups that share their experiences from puberty and how they learned to deal with them/what they wish they knew. Some of the examples of stories include being gay in the army, having eating disorders, getting out of toxic relationships. Another functionality is asking an anonymous question that can get answered by medical professionals that collaborate with us. When we have time, we also organize offline lectures and discussion groups in different cities around Ukraine on youth events and in schools. During offline events we also provide free contraception and consult on the regional centers, where STI and HIV testing is done free and anonymously. The entire project was created pro bono by us and other enthusiasts with skills. We are an official NGO but we have just started in September 2018 and did not manage to receive any funds yet because sex ed in Ukraine is a controversial topic. However, even a microgrant would help us improve our website and outreach significantly. We chose an online format to reach a maximum amount of people that need it, however spreading the word by mouth is long and ineffective.

Newburgh, NY – Chess Kids - Pop Up Park !

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Come to the Chess Kids Community Pop Up Park! Children in our community are invited to join the kids from an award-winning Chess program for an exciting and rewarding journey into the wonderful world of the game of Chess. Participants will get to have the amazing and fun experience of learning the great game of Chess and gain tools for thinking and problem solving that will benefit them both in school and in life. For Summer 2019, the location is the 191 South Street Community Park, and the date is Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 2:00 to 4:00PM. Additional dates will be announced in late-June. We see this as the original launch location; however, the “Chess Kids Community Pop Up Park” is envisioned to occur many times at potentially many different locations. We seek to create a mobile version of the program that can be easily deployed almost anywhere, such as highly visible “pop-up parks”, and bring positive activity to other parts of our community. The intention of the Project is to allow access to a successful Children’s Chess program originally developed at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to any and all children of Newburgh.The current veteran students take the lead in hands on teaching with active support from our adult instructors. Kids develop an appreciation for mastering their skills through teaching what they have learned to others. The intention is to demonstrate a positive community and create opportunities for collaboration.

Cleveland, OH – Delivering joy through recycled flowers

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Many people around Cleveland fight tough personal challenges alone - people where a simple show of support can make an immediate impact on their outlook, emotional strength and happiness. BigHearted Blooms collects flower arrangements that would normally be thrown away after their intended purpose, such as weddings and corporate events. We repurpose them to make new bouquets that can be enjoyed a second time using recycled vases. We then surprise people who need an emotional lift with a random act of flowers and a personal touch to let them know that others are thinking of them. It is a simple act of kindness, but with this one gesture that's using all recycled products we are lifting spirits and spreading joy and hope to people all around Cleveland. Since launching in May 2018, we’ve touched 5000 people in Cleveland's assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, cancer treatment, dialysis centers, senior day centers, senior housing in some of Cleveland’s most struggling neighborhoods, the Veterans Administration hospital and more. If you see the smiles and grateful tears of someone surprised by BigHearted Blooms you know we make a difference. But our idea is also supported by research studies that find flowers have an immediate impact on happiness, a long-term positive effect on mood and a strong positive impact on emotional well-being. Our young, grass-roots, all volunteer organization is off to a strong start, which, to me, shows this idea has tremendous potential. We were able to take a big step and secure a permanent workshop in March but we have another critical need in order to expand our impact (hence this application). We are grateful for your consideration. Learn more and sign up to volunteer @ http://www.bigheartedblooms.org

Cleveland, OH – Building Furniture to Build Futures

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

I just finished my second year teaching Engineering at Design Lab Early College High School, a CMSD school. To date, we have made: cornhole boards, little free libraries, bookcases, tables, chairs, custom engraved bathroom signs, and custom 3D printed items that our students designed. My project plan for 2019-2020 is to team up with Community of Hope and make “graduation presents” for teens aging-out of foster care. These gifts will serve to help them furnish their first apartment. Design Lab students will make a night stand, a slatted mattress platform (that replaces the need for bed frame or box springs), a small kitchen table, and two chairs. We plan to donate these projects to Community of Hope. My goal is to get our students thinking, collaborating, and making. I want kids to design and make their own projects, but the projects must hold significance that extend beyond a simple classroom setting. Preparing our students for the real world means that they must be engaging in real work. That being said, all of the Engineering projects at Design Lab are either directly used to make our school a better place, or are donated to help our community. The cornhole boards were donated to middle schools and some remain for use in our gym class; the little free libraries were donated to the Cleveland Housing Network for use in their communities; the bathroom signs replaced deteriorated ones at the school; many of the bookcases are in teachers’ classrooms, while the rest accompany the tables and chairs built for our newly renovated library space. Funding this project will help us to build furniture to help build the futures of the youth in our communities. If it takes a village, let that village be all of Cleveland. More information about the Community of Hope can be found here: https://www.hopecle.org/ https://cuyahogacounty.us/cuyahoga-county-news-now/news-detail/cuyahoga-county-news-now/2018/01/29/open-table-open-hearts-year-2-in-cleveland

Vegan (Inactief) – Natura Umana Film

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

The first Romanian documentary that questions our traditions and habits regarding the animals in contrast to the morality of the time we live, debunks myths in terms of nutrition, shows the impact we have on the environment and offers solutions. Over the next few years, we plan to conduct investigations and interviews with anthropologists, nutritionists, philosophers, politicians, athletes, activists, or ordinary people, in a captivating documentary that will inspire and present the world as we know it in a unique way.

Sydney – The Supertee project

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Supertee project is the new medical garment created for sick kids in hospital. Disguised as a superhero costume, this new innovative hospital shirt is- 100% cotton with non toxic print Press studs on both sides and over one should to bypass iv drips, central lines and breathing masks or feeding tubes etc. The spaces between these press studs allow for these tubes and monitoring lines to be nicely organised. It’s MRI, X-Ray, and P.e.t scan friendly Has underarms exposed for rountine thermometer checks which allows for a more restful sleep Has a cape that doubles as a bib! Is packaged in a reusable tin which contains a free comic/activity book, 5 x stickers and a bookmark for the parents. The supertee concept revolves around the studies of the “Batman effect” from child psychologist Dr Stephanie Carlson. In this study Dr Carlson found when children dress as their favourite superhero they adopt the persona of that hero and thus were able to endure tasks longer and distance themselves from the tasks through the use of imaginative play. The goals of the supertee project are primarily to encourage the fighting spirit of children and their families when faced with life threatening conditions, provide a degree of independence by allowing an easier way to change clothes during a hospital stay (thus increasing hygiene and reducing nurse calls). It also aims to provide a new way to fund for research into childhood illnesses. The supertee project is only several months old. Launching at the very hospital that saved my daughters life, and since then we have begun to make our way around Australia’s children’s hospitals.

Sarnia (Inactief) – Cries of the Earth - an International Opera

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

I am the director and founder of The Art Song Collaborative Project, and each year I bring artists together in the creation and performance of a new international opera relating to issues of our modern world. Originally created as an opportunity to perform the music of active Canadian and International composers, the project has evolved into an exploration of drama through art songs. This year our goal is to bring awareness to the dangerous state our planet is in: from the overflow of plastic pollution to governments and figures in power denying climate change. Through the Art Song Collaborative Project I invited 13 composers and 6 performers to work with me in the creation of "Cries of the Earth" an international opera. The opera ensemble of 2 sopranos, tenor, violin, cello, piano, percussion and electronics, with appearance of guitar, will premiere a total of 14 new pieces, each unique in instrumentation, style and text, but tied together by one theme and one story. Three performances will take place in Toronto on July 26th, 27th at the Array Music Space and on July 28th in the Richmond Hill/ Markham Area. My goal with this opera is not only to give composers and performers a chance to speak about the ever-growing environmental threat that assails our world; but also to urge our audience to reflect on the issue from different viewpoints, and contemplate possible solutions. As artists we must strive to use our art to portray problems in a new light and hope to inspire people towards positive change. "Cries of the Earth" is a creative and impassioned cry for help from Mother Nature through the artistic eyes of composers from Canada, Australia and United States, brought to life by North American performers.

Adelaide – Part of Things - Launch Event

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Part of Things is a new space in Barmera - a small regional town next to Lake Bonney, approx. 2.5 hours drive from Adelaide - opening mid 2019 for an 18month trial. Part of Things is interested in two things - building networks and connections with and between young professionals in our region and doing that by presenting quirky, interesting and engaging programs facilitated by local artists (to create paid opportunities). Our team are all young professionals ourselves and we are interested in the ‘churn’ of this demographic in the Riverland – the constant coming and going and how difficult it can be to retain young professionals in our region, and the reality that many young professionals in the Riverland go 'home' to Adelaide on the weekend taking the money they've earned here to be spent elsewhere. We want to connect with our young professional peers to develop allies, networks, friendships and everything in between - and we want to encourage more dollars to be invested here for our shared future. We are doing this by exploring quirky creative projects, events and activities that offer a place to ‘find your people’ and add to the social and cultural fabric of our community. Part of Things is a small in scale exploration being entirely boot-strapped by us, there is no funding or confirmed income, though we have the space itself at a very subsidised rent for two years from the Berri Barmera Council. We are designing the program to expand and contract as dollars are available but cash is the biggest limiting factor to our ambitions! We have just launched a call-out for our first program - a Thinker in Residence program in July, August, September and October 2019. We are applying to the Awesome Foundation to make our planned launch 21st June a little more AWESOME. We are planning a ticketed pyjama party for thirty people to officially launch Part of Things and open to the public. We will also be announcing our Thinkers in Residence at this event.

Glasgow – Overdrive

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Overdrive is a dance company for boys and young men aged 10-24 to become involved with dance. Through creative movement, the boys have a way to express themselves as well as improve health and wellbeing through physical movement. Overdrive is an open company for all boys interested in dance regardless of ability or experience. The vast age range of the company allows the members to learn from one another and offer peer support. Independent dance artist, Hayley Earlam, leads workshops for the boys to attend with payments taken as a donation/pay-what-you-can in order to make workshops affordable and accessible for all. Together with the dancers, they create performances which boosts the dancers' confidence and creativity. The company has performed across a variety of community and youth dance platforms in Glasgow and was recently invited to perform at an event in Dundee.

Sofia (Inactief) – Void Simulacrum

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

I want to set 50 colorful bands of spandex throughout Sofia, Bulgaria! The bands will be controlled by the beautiful people of Sofia and its visitors. The message is Love. The project I propose is Void Simulacrum. In Void Simulacrum, participants from the community help shape a 50 foot long wall of spandex into different shapes. The performance can start with only two people, and over the course of three to eight hours, the sculpture incorporates willing spectators and passers-by who become full participants and owners of the piece. As each person makes aesthetic decisions they become responsible for the artwork as the fabric shifts and breaks. The stage, which usually alienates and assigns a static role to the audience is eliminated in favor of a collective choice and emergent behavior. Forward, K

Rockport, MA – Rockport Legion Band Tribute Concert

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

The Rockport Legion Band concert on July 21 pays tribute to the original members of the then Rockport American Legion Band, the majority from Finnish homes. The band played at the Community House until 1938 when the bandstand was constructed of Cape Ann materials under the direction of Ernie Nelson, John Huttunen, and John Anderson. Most of the Finnish charter members remained active to the 50s-early 60s. Sunday concerts in these days included works by Finnish-American composers, quartets playing familiar Finnish folk tunes, and instrumental soloists like Sylvester Ahola, Jacob Knuttunen, the Niemi sisters to name some. Sixty years later, however, community audiences, many assimilated second and third generation Finns and all but two of the 30 RLB members, possess little knowledge of the band’s origins and the instrumental role of Finns in building a solid foundation for today’s band. The RLB, conductor Howard, and sponsor Post #98 expressed enthusiasm about the project from the start. The band has been practicing an entirely new program since January. Howard has invited brass band founder Paul Niemisto to be guest conductor; between four and six musicians including local school youth will augment the band. Our project will introduce and educate band members and the diverse audience of all ages about early twentieth Rockport and Finns on Cape Ann, the origins of the community band in the Finn halls, the history of the RLB, biographical information about the charter members. At the same time interest in the special concert will boost attendance and visitors to our town.

Oakland, CA (Inactief) – Homeless First community screenings

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

“Homeless First” is a 27-minute documentary about First They Came For The Homeless (FTCFTH), a drug and alcohol-free encampment in Berkeley, created by and for houseless people. The group provides safe space for individuals in need and helps members transition into housing. We recently finished the film and are ready to start screening it. We have the first screening set for June 9th, 2019 at Omni Commons in Oakland. All of the filming, editing and supporting art (graphics, music) were donated by artists, but we do need funds to be able to distribute the film and organize community screenings. We intend to treat these showings as fundraisers to raise money for the needs of homeless camps. We will work with FTCFTH, Village in Oakland, Consider the Homeless, the camp on E.12th Street and any group of homeless individuals that work for the self-determination of houseless people. We would also like to arrange screenings at the homeless camps as the film can serve as an example of how people can organize themselves. We plan to include discussions, panels, music and performances with each screening to further facilitate the community conversation.

Raleigh, NC (Inactief) – Hen Institute

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

Hen Institute is a public art project sponsored by the Raleigh Arts Commission as part of SEEK Raleigh. It is composed of a mobile chicken coop and classroom inhabited by egg laying chickens. Hen Institute invites artists and community members to use hens as a curatorial framework to create artistic, community-based, and educational programs. Themes include but are not limited to, sustenance, protection, feminism, immobility, nesting, community, sustainability, home, rural, courage, motherhood, nutrition, and generosity. Occurring at a variety of outdoor locations throughout the city of Raleigh, an assortment of creative and educational performances, exhibits, lectures, and workshops will happen on site at the coop. Community meals created off-side by guest chefs using eggs produced by the hens will compare ideas of creative and educational nourishment to food related nourishment.

San Francisco, CA – Buried Ships Project

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

San Francisco has some amazing history buried beneath the financial district, in what was once known as Yerba Buena Cove. When the city expanded during the gold rush, ships often came to port and never left. So many ships remained here that it was famously described as a “forest of masts.” In May 1851, this whole area burned down and San Franciscans built atop the skeletons of the ships. At least 30 ships have been pinpointed, though now there is little evidence of their existence. The Buried Ships project would create street art monuments to these pillars of our city. The plaques will be placed around the cove for local residents, employees, tourists, and wanderers to discover how San Francisco came to be home for so many people. To achieve this, the Buried Ships project would use a unique infrastructure piece to San Francisco, its sewer vent covers. The project will replace the covers closest to the last known location of the ships. Each one would show the name of the ship and a coded number located on the face. These plaques would be an integral part of a choose your own adventure story about the history of the city and its golden dreams. With an old map of the cove, available for free at cafes and shops, participants can explore the old harbor and hear different parts of its story by texting a ship’s code to the phone number on the plaque. This lets people listen to a story based around that ship and gives them a choice on where to go next. Using SMS and phone calls makes the stories accessible with any phone, without requiring web access or an app installation. This project will give people a time-traveling moment where they can stand amongst the hectic traffic of current day life and imagine the streets as they once were. Through these stories of San Francisco’s history as a boom town brimming with hope and dreams, we’ll see that some things are not all that different from how they were 150 years ago.

Annapolis, NS (Inactief) – Bert's Shirts

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

Sophia Oldford is bringing the concepts of zero waste and upcycling together by creating and selling useful fabric creations made from recycled clothing. Initially she will focus on turning used men’s dress shirts into aprons and small accessories for eco-conscious adults. Her goals for this project are: 1) Extend the useful life of discarded textiles to minimize the environmental impact of their initial creation 2) Reduce the amount of textiles going to landfill 3) Start a business that can support me 4) Eventually provide employment for other sewers, similar to the Suttles and Seawinds model 5) Provide a reason to smile while doing house chores

Aviano (Inactief) – Aviano Archetypes

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

We’re studying archetypal imagery imbedded in the art and architecture of Aviano Italy. We’re photographing the pieces and making a chapbook out of them.