Big Heavy World / 242 Main Partnership Supported by Vermont Community Foundation
Photo by James Lockridge.
Two organizations have partnered to expand cultural programming in Burlington with support from the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF). Big Heavy World, an educational nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Vermont-made music, and 242 Main, an all-ages music venue operated by the City of Burlington Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Department, received a VCF Small and Inspiring grant program award of $2,000.00.
The organizations are collaborating to produce live musical events that provide an opportunity for teens to learn about concert production and marketing, radio broadcasts journalism, and live concert photography. Big Heavy World has engaged young adults in music programs for 18 years. 242 Main has been presenting live music for all-age audiences for thirty years. The public/private partnership has comprehensive experience with engaging youth with their community via arts programming.
Through this partnership teens will be preserving their cultural history; exposing bands in a way that helps them be successful as Vermont artists; they'll be gaining skills that boost their confidence and give them better futures; and the VCF-funded program will represent the power of collaboration to benefit young participants and older community members. The journalism that's produced - audio, video, writing, photography - will become a historic record that is important to future generations of Vermonters.
James Lockridge, Executive Director of Big Heavy World, says, “It’s rare for teens to have cultural resources that are authentic to their interests. This partnership opens up a world of fun, learning, and empowerment via music - an especially compelling outlet for young people.”
Jen Cotton, Site Coordinator, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department, says, “Through this partnership, we are able to offer two special shows, at 242 Main, for the Greater Burlington community. It’s an exciting opportunity that we are very grateful for. We (242 Main) look forward to continued partnerships with diverse, mission driven organizations in our region, to help support the arts and education.”
For more information, contact: James Lockridge, Big Heavy World, jim@bigheavyworld.com, (802) 865-1140 Jen Cotton, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Dept., jcotton@burlingtonvt.gov, (802) 864-0123
About Big Heavy World: Big Heavy World engages young adults with their communities through activities that support and preserve Vermont’s original music. Founded in 1996, it is a community supported and volunteer-run nonprofit organization. Big Heavy World was established to preserve the historical record of music originating in Vermont; to create economic opportunity for Vermont's musicians and the industries vital to them; to develop community among Vermont musicians and their patrons; and to accomplish this mission in a substance-free environment that empowers and educates youth. Seewww.bigheavyworld.com
About 242 Main: 242 Main, a program of Burlington’s Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department, provides a safe space for all ages, where people can come together with others that may share an interest in music, community service, activism and the arts. It provides positive social and cultural experiences, including all-ages live music events and educational programs. In 2014, 242 Main is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Seewww.enjoyburlington.com
About the Vermont Community Foundation: The VCF is a family of hundreds of funds and foundations established by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. It provides the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office experience to make giving easy and effective. The Foundation also provides leadership in giving by responding to community needs, mobilizing and connecting philanthropists to multiply their impact, and by keeping Vermont’s nonprofit sector vital with grants and other investments in the community. Visitwww.vermontcf.org or call (802) 388-3355 for more information.