Tam Makers, a community of makers in Mill Valley, California, is embarking on a community art project to create an Art Float for Social Change. The aim of the project is to inspire more people to participate in democracy by reaching out to youth and people of color through art, music, and technology. The project involves creating a parade float that celebrates mother earth with a carousel of waving hands, pulled by a giant feathered serpent. Performers will tell stories of hope on a stage decorated with scenes of a better world. Large signs will invite people to speak up and vote, and the podium will allow people to pitch ideas for social change, or have them scroll on the news ticker.
The project is being led by Fabrice Florin and Geo Monley, co-founders of Tam Makers, and a team of students and makers. The project is being hosted by Tam High School and involves a wide range of volunteers and art, civic, and educational partners. The float will be presented on Earth Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July parades in Marin and throughout California this fall, to encourage people to vote in the next election.
The project is being built during March and April 2018, with volunteers welcome to help on Thursday evenings from 4 to 9pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm. To volunteer, contact the team at float@tammakers.org. More information about the Art Float for Social Change can be found on the Tam Makers website.