Tam Makers, an art and technology makerspace located in Mill Valley, California, is leading a community art project to create an Art Float for Social Change. The project aims to inspire more people, especially youth and people of color, to participate in democracy by reaching out to them through art, music, and technology. The unique parade float celebrates mother earth with a carousel of waving hands being pulled by a giant feathered serpent, and is accompanied by performers sharing stories of hope on a stage decorated with scenes of a better world. The float is adorned with numerous large signs that encourage people to speak up and vote, and also has a podium where people can pitch their ideas for social change or have them scroll on the news ticker.
The Art Float for Social Change will be presented in Earth Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July parades in Marin, as well as throughout California in the fall to encourage people to vote in the next election. The project is led by Fabrice Florin and Geo Monley, co-founders of Tam Makers, and is created by a team of students and makers. The project is hosted by Tam High School, and numerous art, civic, and educational partners are working together with volunteers to create this float and present it to a diverse community.
The project is being created in March and April 2018, with Thursday evenings from 4 to 9pm and Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm being designated as times for volunteers to help with the project. Tam Makers encourages anyone interested in volunteering to email them at float@tammakers.org.
Overall, the Art Float for Social Change is an innovative way to engage with communities through art and technology, and to encourage them to participate in democracy. By using a float to present these ideas, Tam Makers hopes to reach a wider audience, especially those who may not be as engaged with traditional forms of political and social activism. This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration and is sure to inspire many people to get involved in creating a better future for themselves and their communities.