Hi I have no hardship story really. I’m looking for philanthropy as opposed to charity. I’m an individual living in the Jamaica, trying to launch a small organisation to use Art as therapy. The idea is multifaceted but let me try to explain. It is easier to get funding where private interest is served. However my first project Writers Workshops serves is firstly in the interest of the participants. Hence I am having difficulty finding sponsors. First my motivationso There is a lot of violence in my country; people have a hard time communicatingo There is unemployment and people lack resources to START to help themselveso The art forms are reflecting the fall or our society without seeking any redemption through it. So I started thinking about my own life. I love poetry and am pursuing; to one day do this full time. My parents introduced me to Art and Classical forms and I have fostered these interests. I feel these experiences have fortified me to live differently. Many people here lack that exposure of nurturing environment. I see the creative industries as a useful tool to start dialogue, broaden horizons, provide jobs and use creativity as therapy; part of the process of healing a nation. The problem is accessibility. To achieve this I am trying to launch three projects. 1. Workshops for the public and persons in Correctional Facilities The film industry is developing rapidly but there are limited scripts. This workshop is to teach people how to create a marketable product. It is a means of collaboration of people from different parts of society in a hope to start a dialogue that will be introspective and healing.
2. Opera Revive theatre in Jamaica as a window to different social commentaries. This will diversify our cultural products and generate new capital generating ideas. The music and theatre industry in Jamaica is a great source of information and helps to direct social norms but it is becoming a moral chop shop. Introducing classical forms will help impact on how music and theatre is produced
3. Touring Festival This is a channel for persons to exhibit the products being generated in society. To challenge stereotypes about the country and to redefine Jamaica to the Diaspora. This is to encourage a wider dialogue and an understanding of how social responsibility affects the global community.
My challenge is as a single person that works in Jamaica. I can’t generate the US currency to pay for resources.
SO WHAT DO I WANT?
I need assistance to pay mentors for the screenwriting workshops. This is for the public and persons in correctional facilities. This is because the project will not be charging participants. The first set in the series will cost 10,000 US dollars. 6 thousand for mentors and the rest for facilities. The mentor fee for the public class and the correctional facilities class are 3000 each. I would be grateful for anything.
I also need help in terms of planning the Festival, which is to tour the country. I’m trying to find commercial sponsors. And the Opera I’m also trying to find sponsors here. I know this isn’t the typical need here but I thought id post it anyway and hope I don’t offend those persons who are more in need.
NGO's are welcome
