Beautiful Losers | The Experiment

THE EXPERIMENT

We came up with an idea on how to reach out into the community and identify other creative groups in Rochester to pull minimal funds together to have an event. I am looking at this as a model that we can use in other cities. The importance of this is to seek out other creative groups in town who share similar issues with identification and collaborative opportunities. The only way to know who is doing other things in your community is to put like-minds in the same room and present them with somethings they all have in common: creativity and location.

The hook to making this type of event happen is "having a venue that is appropriate and free". In Rochester, the LITTLE is a locally owned movie theatre that supports various types of cultural activities... independent film being the big one. We pitched that we can pack the theatre with their target audience if they show a film for free. In our business, we know the value of building and maintaining a brand. Organizing  and promoting this type of  event is a great opportunity for the LITTLE and for "us". 5 groups chipped in a small fee and promised to market the event to their own organizations.  Other art organizations in town who did not put money towards the event agreed to email their membership about this opportunity.

As one of the main organizers, I (mydarndest) created a web site, established some graphics for banners and created a free registration. My investment is time. Why? Because I believe with that volunteering time for such a project can only lead to good things... both now and in the future for the local creative community and for our professional organization. The hope is the extra effort will inspire people in Rochester and in AIGA to get involved in planning something that "gives back" to the community. Often, I take a hit for being altruistic, it does not stop me from trying and trying again. [This is where my business name originated.] Lead by example.

I hope this model is something that we can use again for  future events throughout the UPST.

Can you have such an event?

Absolutely. Here is what you need...

• 1. A committee of ambitious people you know in your local creative community who can or network well.


• 2. A Movie Theatre Venue (FREE)


• 3. $500 for one showing of this movie. (5 sponsors @ $100)

THE MOVIE

"Beautiful Losers" is an independent documentary of creative people who stuck with being "artistic" and made great things happen.

In the early 1990's, while most of the country was still reeling from the aftermath of the Reagan era, a small group of American artists influenced by graffiti, skateboarding, punk rock and hip-hop began a movement that changed the world. This documentary tells their. Story, and the impact they made on art, literature, and music.

This is perfect for creative folks in all disciplines and ages. If it was not inspiring to designers, artists and crafters... we would not have picked it.

I hope to see you there. If you are not in Rochester, I encourage you to create your own event for the "Beautiful Losers" in your town.