Despite the fact that life in the city has gone back to normal for most of us after Sandy, there’s still work to be done not only with cleaning up from the hurricane, but also in plenty of other aspects of civil life. Getting people excited about volunteering can be hard, which is why the Brooklyn Arts Council is set to launch an ambitious volunteering campaign asking artists to give 100 hours in six months. As a reward, you get access to opportunities that will make you a more famous artist. And all without having to through the Abramovic Method.
BAC’s Artist Volunteer Center will be a hub of support for people making art inspired by volunteerism, with artist residency programs, collaborative work spaces and a gallery center. The goal of all this is to get, and keep, artists connected with the communities around them, which is important. Hence the cool stuff being used t encourage volunteering. Of course, you’re thinking you might want access to all these wonderful things. in that case, be prepared to do a little work for them.
Starting next Tuesday, October 29, the AVC is launching its 100 Hour AV Challenge, in which they ask artists from around the city to do 100 hours of volunteer work between then and April 29, 2014. They’ll be partnering with groups like Big Brothers and Big Sisters of NYC and the Partnership for Parks to point people in the right direction and provide volunteer opportunities. The hours you spend volunteering can be exchanged for what the AVC is calling “cultural currency,” like access to opportunities to take part in gallery exhibitions, residencies and partnerships with arts organizations.
If it sounds good (and of course it does!) you can start with the October 29 Day of Service, which is looking for volunteers to help beautify Henry Street’s community garden. It’s a good place to start, because after all, no one wants to paint a picture of an ugly, trash strewn garden.