The event provided a safe space for people to meet others in the Richmond community while having the opportunity to take on a hands-on approach through art. We promoted by putting up posters in community centers, and we bought supplies in advance. I have people in my network who were interested in establishing an art event that could provide a space for free and accessible community building. Planning went quite smoothly, although it was hard at times to contact some folks due to personal circumstances of life, such as wanting to be in and contribute to the community while also balancing things like a job. The project went great; we had about 40 people show up to partake in the event. The art provided came in various forms, such as painting, beading, and magnet-making. It was challenging in the moment to take photos and to capture it in terms of a grant because we felt very present in the moment, guiding people through their pieces, talking to others who live in the same city, but we had never met before. It shows how amazing, tight-knit, and safe the space felt. The impact we saw was that people were able to exchange phone numbers, spend time with their kids, and have an accessible place (right in central Richmond) to connect.
I learnt a lot about how to budget and allocate funds to ensure we can supply things like snacks and tea while also allowing funding for supplies and rent. It was a great experience overall, in which I felt empowered to take on an event without the constraints you’d get without having funding, for example. It was a one-time event, but I wish some organizations could provide free and accessible events like this. Usually, there is a fee when you get to make physical things and be hands-on. That’s what made this event so crucial and important too!
