A3C is ecstatic to assist even more creativity-driven non-profits at the 2017 Action Pitch Competition this fall. Our national competition in conjunction with the Center for Civic Innovation supports and heavily invests in organizations who utilize art, music and hip hop culture as advocacy to serve the community for social justice. As we anticipate who'll be claim the big prize at our 3rd annual competition this year, let's reflect on the efforts of our 1st place winners from 2015.
Securing a $5,000 grant for their cause, ChopArt was A3C's 1st place winner for the first ever annual Action Pitch Competition. ChopArt is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower youth battling homelessness by allowing them to creatively express and develop sustainable values through art exploration. Initially founded in South Africa in 2010, they have expanded their mission to India and Atlanta. They provide the youth with special programming for various arts media, such as in-shelter visual arts programs, field trips, mentorship programs, art shows and entrepreneurial opportunities. We spoke with Milka Whitley, Founder and CEO of ChopArt who ensures us that the investment from the A3C Action Pitch Competition Award has help the organization out tremendously.
According to Malika, "A3C Action was the financial first bet that was ever taken on ChopArt from an institution. It helped other funders begin to look at us and make investments as well, and media outlets interested in telling our story. The investment has grown our finance capital as well as human capital through increased volunteerism. Most importantly, it’s allowed us to bring our teens a wonderful annual summer camp dedicated to performing arts and their mental health."
Since winning, ChopArt has established lasting relationships that significantly impacted their programs and organizational development. They've also received gifts and sponsorship from other organizations such as MailChimp, The Fraser-Parker Foundation, Exhibitus, and Dreaming Zebra Foundation. This year, they look forward to receiving more donations that will allow their teens to participate in their programs such as their performing arts camp.
"2017 has lots of things in store! Our teens will present four arts shows ranging from visual to performing arts. We will also continue our year around in-shelter program and our summer camps in Atlanta, Hyderabad, and Accra. We’d set out to serve 4,225 youth this year but are now on track to serve 7,225 teens," Marina says.
If you're interested in supporting the cause, you can volunteer or financially invest into the teens of ChopArt, by contacting the organization at www.chopart.org.
Applications for the 3rd annual A3C Action Pitch Competition are now open!
A national competition to find, support, and invest in new, innovative ideas that use art, music and hip-hop culture as a vehicle to advance social justice and civic engagement. A3C Action Pitch Competition amplifies creative projects to increase the number of creatives at the problem-solving table.
5-7 finalists are brought to Atlanta and provided with intensive training and mentoring prior to pitching their ideas to a diverse panel of judges.
The final pitch is on Friday, Oct 6th at the Action Summit
A3C Action Pitch Competition is a partnership with the Center for Civic Innovations
Applications Close July 9, 2017
