Viewing entries tagged
CULTURE

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Glass Street Community Block Party | Silas Luster

Let’s give a round of applause to the Glass Street Community Block Party, the ultimate neighborhood bash that’s ready to make a grand comeback! After a pandemic hiatus, this beloved annual event is gearing up for a 2024 return, and thanks to a $1,500 grant from the UNFoundation, the team is all set to bring the fun (and some serious community spirit) back to Glass Street. It’s been too long, and they’re ready to roll out the red carpet with food trucks, local vendors, music, games for the kiddos, and, of course, an unmissable good time.

What’s the plan, you ask? The funds will help cover the essentials needed to throw an unforgettable event, including renting a stage, sound equipment, tables and chairs, paying performers, and securing safety equipment. With a grand total of $2,925 for the event (hey, good times don’t come cheap), the team is using the UNFoundation grant to get the ball rolling, ensuring that all equipment is booked, and the performers are lined up.

This block party isn’t just about the fun and festivities. It’s an investment in the Glass Street community, shining a light on its vibrant local businesses, musicians, and vendors. It’s about fostering pride, building connections, and bringing in people from outside the neighborhood to see what makes Glass Street so special.

By supporting this event, the grant money isn’t just going toward a party—it’s helping spark economic growth, creating new opportunities for local talent and entrepreneurs, and bringing the community together like never before. If you haven’t marked your calendar for November 2nd, 2024, you should probably go ahead and do that. Glass Street is about to turn it up, and you’ll want to be there!

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5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda | Semillas TN

Get ready for a cultural feast! We are pumped to support Semillas TN's 5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda. This incredible event celebrates the rich traditions of Latinx culture and honors loved ones who have passed.

With our $1,900 grant, Semillas TN will be able to elevate its Ofrenda to new heights. Imagine educational workshops, a "U-pick" cempasúchil, commonly known as Mexican marigolds, flower day, and a captivating Catrina parade. The stunning Ofrenda centerpiece will be adorned with vibrant decorations, fragrant flowers, and delicious food.

Semillas TN is creating a space for connection, reflection, and joy by bringing the community together. This event honors tradition and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latinx culture. We're excited to see how this year's Ofrenda will inspire and uplift the Chattanooga community.

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The Musical Tree Quilt January 2013

Recipient: David & Yang Welch

David is a recent MIT alumni and Yang is an artist and design engineer. Together, David and Yang came to the UNFoundation and pitched an idea: a musical quilt that honors the flora of southeast Tennessee. They’ve combined traditional quilting methods with e-textiles and open-hardware embedded devices, creating a quilt that sings to the touch. They’re using their research to further their endeavors in e-textile crafting, open-source music, and research.

The project uses conductive and piezoresitive fabrics that ultimately comes together to create a unique instrument. The goal is to create a 4×3 feet quilt, composed of 4 panels, with each panel featuring a tree of special significance to the Southern Appalachians. They’ve organized a talk with a class of fifth graders and plan to present to other local schools as well.

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