Community Canvas
Bridging Art, Community and Technology.
Community Canvas:
Community Canvas is an ambitious initiative that seeks to transform the long wall at Sioux Steel into a dynamic mural series, inspired by the creative visions of poets and writers from Sioux Falls. Sponsored by the Pavilion, this project aims not merely to beautify a public space but to revolutionize the way poetry and prose are experienced in the urban environment. By integrating digital and augmented reality (AR) technologies, Community Canvas will allow poets and writers to expand their expressive capabilities, enabling them to project their words into large-scale visual narratives that resonate with a wide audience.
Detailed Project Activities with a Focus on Education:
Poetic and Prose Workshops: These sessions will focus on translating written works into visual formats. Participants will engage with contemporary examples of visual poetry and narrative art, learning how to extend their textual expressions into visual mediums. These workshops aim to fuse literary art with visual art, encouraging poets and writers to think beyond the page.
AI and Technology Integration: Hands-on sessions will explore the role of AI in enhancing the interpretative possibilities of written words. Poets and writers will learn how AI can assist in visualizing their poems and stories, transforming text into complementary art forms. These sessions will emphasize responsible and ethical AI usage, ensuring participants understand both the potential and limitations of technology in creative processes.
Recording and Archiving Discussions: and collaborative sessions will be recorded, capturing the dynamic exchange of ideas and the poets or writers reading their pieces. This archival footage will serve both as a documentary resource to reflect on the project's development and as educational material to inspire future participants.
Mural Creation with Augmented Reality (AR) Installation: The project will utilize digital tools to aid poets and writers in visualizing their works as murals. Once these murals are completed, an augmented reality component will be integrated. Viewers can use AR devices to hear the recorded readings and discussions, and see alternate visual interpretations of the murals. This immersive experience will allow the community to engage with the murals in a multifaceted way, enhancing the sensory experience of art and literature.
Educational Objectives:
To illustrate the potential of digital and AI technologies as tools that enhance and expand the creative expressions of poets and writers.
To foster a mindset among participants that embraces innovation at the intersection of literature, visual art, and technology.
To teach valuable skills such as conceptual visualization, digital design, project management, and public speaking within the context of creating public art.
Inclusivity and Engagement: Empowering Underrepresented Voices:
Community Canvas is deeply committed to inclusivity, focusing on empowering young poets and writers who might feel that the realms of technology and public art are inaccessible. This project offers these individuals a nurturing environment where they can learn, create, and showcase their talents to the community. By blending traditional literary forms with modern technology, we aim to provide new opportunities that excite and inspire all participants, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Call for Support:
Seeking a total investment of $30,000, Community Canvas pledges to fairly compensate the participating poets and writers, acknowledging the value of their creative expressions. This investment is not just monetary; it is a commitment to nurturing the future of poetry, prose, and public art in Sioux Falls. By supporting this project, you help foster a future where technology and literature merge to empower young voices and where every participant can contribute richly to our community’s cultural tapestry.
Get In Touch
For more information or to offer your support for Community Canvas, please reach out to Walter Portz at:
Email: walterportz@icloud.com
Phone: 763-656-9100
We welcome your inquiries and support as we bring this vibrant project to life.
Thank You
Thank you for your attention and support. In the spirit of our project, let's recall the words of Vincent van Gogh: "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." Through Community Canvas, we embrace this philosophy, weaving the fabric of our community with threads of creativity and connection.
Donations
You can pledge support directly to Walter Portz walterportz@icloud.com or 763-656-9100.
Donations can be made to The Washington Pavillion, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104., with Community Canvas in the Memo Line.