The Kairos Exchange的动态

There are few things that can bring people together like community art projects can. Community art projects are more than just exercises in creativity; they’re exercises in empathy. They encourage us to embrace our differences, celebrate our commonalities, and leave something lasting for others to enjoy. Late last year, I had the privilege of attending a workshop with Alexa Wajed & Edreys Wajed, founders of Eat Off Art, on building community through art at the NY Funders Alliance NY Funders Conference in Buffalo. It was such a great excercise. Seeing how individuals from different backgrounds came together to contribute their unique perspectives and talents reminded me of a simple truth: there is no "wrong" in creativity. Art is one of the most inclusive ways to build community because it values everyone's contributions. Whether your style is bold or subtle, abstract or realistic, your voice matters! And when we weave those voices together, the results are extraordinary—not just visually, but emotionally and socially. I’d love to hear how you build community creatively. Have you participated in a project that changed your perspective or strengthened your connections?

From Vision to Reality: Community-Led Playspace Development As someone deeply committed to creating opportunities for #CongressHeights, I’ve had the honor of being involved in two transformative playground builds in our community. The first was at Park Southern Apartments on Southern Avenue, and the second was KABOOM!’s milestone 3000th build at the Old Congress Heights School. Both were incredible experiences, but my excitement for the new Sycamore & Oak playground is truly unmatched! This playground represents the epitome of #community-led #development. Through an extensive community survey, one message rang loud and clear: intergenerational recreation spaces were a priority. From that feedback, a concept for a greenhouse morphed into the vibrant, sustainable playspace we see today, thanks to the collaboration of KABOOM!, Emerson Collective, and the Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation. What makes this project so special isn’t just the beautiful design or innovative use of sustainable materials—it’s that the voices of our community shaped every step. This playground is proof of what happens when we truly listen, engage, and work together. Here’s to building spaces that bring joy, foster connection, and honor the vision of the communities they serve. Let’s keep leading the way in equitable, community-centered development! To learn more about, check out this article How These Partnerships Are Helping to Combat Playspace Inequity (Next City) https://lnkd.in/erjv67Gf #PlayspaceEquity #CommunityLedDevelopment #SustainableDesign #SycamoreAndOak #CommunityPower #BlackWomenLead #SustainablePlay

#strengtheningcommunities Art is at the heart of strengthening community bonds! Check out this recent case study on the intersection between arts, culture, community, and heath. View the article here: https://lnkd.in/gi8s87J3

Reposting this as the grand Cai's firework show - the opening ceremony of this year's PST ART festival and the following AI forum approaching ahead! Beyond the Human?: From the Metaphysical to the Physical Also visit the link below for more information about the AI forum with Cai and many esteemed guests on Sep.16 at USC. Although the topic related to the interplay between AI and art has been discussed multiple times in recent years, and even put into a very macro or philosophical level for cliché in some cases, I still believe that the role of AI in art, especially visual art, has a scope that needs to be precisely designed, and I hope to take part in the forum on the 16th with some understandings and unresolved doubts, and I am very much looking forward to it! https://lnkd.in/gWnq3ayT The recent rejection of the use of AI by the Procreate CEO is also a highly relevant topic, and Wired has an article that tells the story in detail: https://lnkd.in/g7STueXj

How can today’s workforce be prepared to connect with a global audience while still nurturing real, local community ties? At Pasadena City College’s Future of Work Conference, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo’s conversation with Julie Uhrman, co-founder of Angel City FC, offers a fresh perspective on addressing this challenge. Angel City isn’t just changing the game for women’s sports; it’s showing how a team can create a global impact while staying true to its community-focused values. Click the link below to listen to the full conversation! https://lnkd.in/edB7Jw8g #workforcedvelopment #economicempowerment #EconomicDevelopment

I had a great conversation with Julie Uhrman, co-founder of Angel City Football Club, at the 2024 Future of Work Conference. Angel City Football Club isn’t just changing the game for women’s sports; it’s showing how a team can create a global impact while staying true to its community-focused values. For students and future professionals, the path forward is clear: the future of work means blending local roots with a global vision and preparing for careers that are as inclusive and connected as the world they aim to serve.

What can artists teach us about meaningful community engagement? When artists work with communities, we’re not just creators or performers—we’re bridge builders, truth-tellers, and innovators, offering new ways to rethink our relationships with ourselves and with each other. Artists have a remarkable ability to partner with communities, amplifying what’s already there and turning local strengths into catalysts for a society where everyone feels their voice matters. At the Creative Capital Artist Lab, I had the privilege of hearing Yanira Castro, Ron Berry, and Meida Teresa McNeal share the thoughtful, creative paths they’ve taken—whether curating with participatory scores, sharing meals and dialogue on complex social issues, or collaborating with developers to create community-informed models of low-cost housing. These brilliant creators lead with empathy and boldness, and that’s something we all can learn from. Oklahoma City is brimming with untapped creative potential. Imagine what’s possible if we leaned into this more—if we saw artists not just as creators but as bridge builders, turning shared dreams into real, tangible action that benefits everyone. How do you see the arts playing a role in creating a more connected community? {{I am so eager for the dialogue!}} #OKC #CreativeJustice #ArtistsInCommunity #SocialPractice #sparklahoma

The heartbeat of New York pulses through its cultural community, shaping who we are and how we thrive together. An enlightening exploration into the challenges faced by artists and cultural workers reveals a pressing issue: the affordability crisis that could potentially dim the city’s vibrant artistic flame. By advocating for innovative models to preserve existing cultural spaces and create new ones, we can empower our creative community to flourish. The vital connection between artists and their communities is orchestrated through collaborative efforts, where accessibility to adequate workspace and affordable housing becomes the foundation for artistic growth. It’s not just about cultural expression; it's about fostering a sustainable environment where creativity can take root and blossom. How can we, as a community, come together to inspire change and unlock new possibilities? Share your own inspiring stories of creativity and community, and let’s work towards a future where every artist has a place to thrive. https://lnkd.in/g7MxEeab

"There's so much consideration of community, sustainability and circularity at the heart of it" - Daniel Heath Our recent launch event of Meanwhile...in Shoreditch, hosted at the Drum Labs, brought together local residents, artisans and sustainability experts for a day of artist workshops, conversations and film screenings. The result? A feeling of community and creativity all in one space. We spoke to local residents, artists and our partners on the day to hear about what they think Shoreditch Works will provide and why it is so important for this East London community. Interviews include... Coral Bevan- local Hackney resident, Ande Gregson and Mark Shayler - Green Lab, Katy Mason and Daniel Heath - local artists. Videography: Constantin-Ionut Purice Find out more about Meanwhile...in Shoreditch initiative: https://lnkd.in/e5Zj79WF #shoreditch #placemaking #eastLondon #community?

Check out my Kickstarter Pre-Launch by commenting "Yes" below! #Supportsmallbusiness #googlesmallbusiness Here at Quiick Briick Inc we help people understand and implement what they read in my books to their everyday life.