What is FIGMENT?
FIGMENT is an outdoor, totally free, performing and visual arts festival in a public park where nothing is for sale and you can play with all the art. Entirely organized and managed by volunteers, it is a gift for each of us. A chance to create, to engage,
to learn, and to play. On September 28 and 29, 2013, we seek to transform the beautiful urban park space of the North Field of Anacostia Park into a magical, family-friendly, artists' playground.
We need your help to make this dream come to life.
The first FIGMENT happened on Governor's Island in New York City the summer of 2007. Since then it has expanded to 11 cities around the world, with each effort supported by a grassroots, local team. On September 29, 2012, FIGMENT expanded to Washington, where
we welcomed approximately 1,000 participants and over 100 artists to Yards Park. The pictures you see on this page are all from that magical day.
FIGMENT is guided by 11 Principles, among them Inclusion, Self-Expression, Communal Effort, and Gratitude. To learn more about the 11 Principles, check out our website
here.
Why FIGMENT?
FIGMENT helps to provide opportunities for emerging artists in communities around the world, makes art accessible to the community, and provides an alternative to the branding and commercialism that has come to define so much of society. It encourages participation
instead of passive spectatorship and helps build community among urban residents. FIGMENT exists to share imagination and invention between artists and the public. Every day, we strive to help strengthen the bonds of the community around us. You can learn
more about the impetus behind FIGMENT
here.
What to Expect at FIGMENT
Imagine that your dreams come to life. Imagine a world full of color, music, dancing, painting, laughing, and smiling. FIGMENT is what participants make of it. In 2012, artists brought a bus full of costumes to share, a Soul Wash, a trebuchet that shot stuffed
animals into the air, a giant trike, and a carnival game. Artists brought countless interactive projects such as a write-your-own-story book, a personal puppet show, foil art, a field of painted plates, and a beautiful LOVE sculpture. There were colorful wigs,
tutus, and hooping parties, and everywhere you looked, people were having fun.
But it can't happen without YOU.
Our Campaign
While the event, FIGMENT DC, is free to the public, we anticipate that we will need between $10k and $12k to cover the infrastructure costs associated with the festival. Please see below for our estimated budget.
We know that it sounds boring to donate money for the infrastructure of an arts festival. After all, as a team, we're not actually providing any of the art! However, what we do is provide the space in which this magic can happen. Permits, security, and equipment
rental cost money. Since we do not charge artists any money to participate in FIGMENT, nor do we accept any corporate sponsorship, we are reaching out to you, or awesome community of supporters, to help bring FIGMENT back to Washington.
With the funds raised to reach the Tipping Point, we intend to cover the base costs associated with the park, including National Park Service staff and security, and the incredibly important (and possibly decorated!) portajohn rental.
We are asking you to help us confirm that we have the community support we need to move forward with this effort. If you believe in FIGMENT and the postive impact that such an event can have on the community, please support us. Moreover, please spread the word
about FIGMENT to your friends and family. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate!
