Tam Makers is a community organization based in Mill Valley, California, that seeks to inspire people to participate in democracy through their Art Float for Social Change project. The main aim of the project is to encourage people, especially youth and people of color, to vote in the upcoming election by presenting art shows on Earth Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July parades in Marin and other parts of California in the fall.
The Art Float for Social Change is a unique float that celebrates mother earth with a carousel of waving hands, pulled by a giant feathered serpent. Performers will share stories of hope on a stage decorated with scenes of a better world. Large signs will invite people to speak up and vote! Those interested in pitching ideas for social change can do so on the podium, or have their ideas scroll on the news ticker.
This community art project is led by Fabrice Florin and Geo Monley, co-founders of Tam Makers, and a team of students and makers. The project is hosted by Tam High School, with the help of volunteers and art, civic, and educational partners who are working to create the float and present it to a diverse community.
The Art Float for Social Change is being built in March and April 2018, on Thursday evenings from 4 to 9pm or Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm. The organization invites volunteers to assist with the project by emailing float@tammakers.org.
In conclusion, this project reflects the spirit of democracy and the need to inspire more people to be part of the democratic process. The Art Float for Social Change is a creative way of reaching out to youth and people of color, using art, music, and technology to encourage them to be part of this important process.