Tam Makers, a community organization in Mill Valley, California, is creating an Art Float for Social Change in order to encourage more people to participate in democracy. The goal is to reach out to young people and people of color, and to present the float on major parade events such as Earth Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July in Marin, California. In addition, the float will be presented throughout California this fall to encourage people to vote in the next election.
The Art Float celebrates mother earth through a variety of creative pieces, including a carousel of waving hands and a giant feathered serpent. Performances will tell hope-filled stories on a stage decorated with scenes of a better world, while large signs will invite people to speak up and vote. Participants and visitors can pitch ideas for social change on the podium or watch them scroll on the news ticker.
The community art project is led by Fabrice Florin and Geo Monley, co-founders of Tam Makers, and includes a team of students and makers. The project is supported by Tam High School and a variety of educational, civic, and art partners. Volunteers are welcome and can participate in building the float on Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings in March and April 2018.
The Art Float for Social Change is designed to inspire more diversity and engagement in the political process by using art, music, and new technologies to create an inclusive environment for all voices. Through artistic expression, the float aims to bring attention to the power of democracy and encourage people to take action to create a better world.