Tam Makers, based out of Mill Valley, California, is currently organising an Art Float for Social Change, a parade float that aims to inspire people to participate in democracy, targeting youth and people of colour through art, music, and technology. The float 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, and large signs will invite people to speak up and vote. Any member of the public can pitch ideas for social change on the podium, or have them scroll on the news ticker. The float will be presented on Earth Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July in Marin, and throughout California in the coming months, with the goal of encouraging people to vote in the next election.
The project is led by Fabrice Florin and Geo Monley, co-founders of Tam Makers, with the help of a team of students and makers from the community. Tam High School is kindly hosting the project, which is being built in March and April on Thursday evenings from 4 to 9pm or Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm. The project has a number of volunteers and partners from art, civic, and educational backgrounds. To volunteer, interested parties can email float@tammakers.org. You can find more information about the Art Float for Social Change on Tam Makers’ website.