GOOD
hard at work
- October 10, 2009 • 8:10 am PDT
A Case Study
At the edge of the functioning United States, in Hale County, Alabama, the designer John Bielenberg is marshaling a class of design-minded idealists in a program called Project M. These mostly student volunteers spend a summer month translating their design skills into meaningful change.
MISSION “To inspire young [creatives] by proving that their work can have a positive and significant impact on the world.”
VITALS Founded in 2003; 100 total people involved, about 20 active participants at any given time; two base camps: one in Belfast, Maine, and another in Greensboro, Alabama; individual projects have happened in Costa Rica, Iceland, and Baltimore.
ACCOLADES Design awards from institutions like AIGA and I.D.; the Skandalaris Award for Entrepreneurship in Design and Visual Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, a $20,000 award that will help fund a 23-city Project M tour starting next spring.
WHY IT WORKS “It’s an authentic venture with no hidden agendas or political motivation, other than inspiring young people and giving them the opportunity to engage in meaningful work.” says Bielenberg.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Establishing year-long fellowship programs for alumni; building two “creative villages” using converted shipping containers for low-cost housing in Alabama and Maine; a business called PieLab to promote community in Greensboro; a bike evangelism movement called NADA.
UPDATE: PieLab, a Project M offshoot, is trying to raise money for a new facility. The deadline is November 1, so head over to Kickstarter and donate now.
