10 New York Artistic Projects To Support (VIDEOS)

Kickstarter, the online funding platform for creative projects, is one of the web's biggest success stories of late.

For the uninitiated, the site allows artists, publishers, musicians, writers, photographers, general do-gooders and all creative types to post videos explaining an idea for a project they have--ideas people can then pledge money towards.

And, as explained on the webiste, it's all or nothing funding: "On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. Creators aren't expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk."

It's proved a tremendous way for artists to test out interest in their concepts, and for the community to be actively involved in supporting its young, creative class.

Naturally there are many Kickstarter projects in New York, and the videos offer a wonderful peak at some of the city's most exciting and ambitious endeavors.

Here are 10 New York Kickstarters we found especially inspiring and perhaps worth a dollar or two of your charity.

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"The Refugee Hotel" Book Project

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For the past three years Gabriele Stabile and Juliet Linderman have photographed refugees on the night they come to America, or the moment when "they cross the border between their pasts and their futures" usually at airport hotels. And now the duo plans to travel across the country to reconnect with the refugees and document how they've integrated into American life and are changing their communities, all in a book to be published by McSweeneys. Short on the necessary travel funds, Stabile and Linderman are looking for a little help. WHAT YOU GET:If you pledge $10 expect "exclusive blog updates, a thank you mention in our book and a one-of-a-kind postcard featuring a photo we take from the road." Donate here.

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For the past three years Gabriele Stabile and Juliet Linderman have photographed refugees on the night they come to America, or the moment when "they cross the border between their pasts and their futures" usually at airport hotels.

And now the duo plans to travel across the country to reconnect with the refugees and document how they've integrated into American life and are changing their communities, all in a book to be published by McSweeneys.

Short on the necessary travel funds, Stabile and Linderman are looking for a little help.

WHAT YOU GET:If you pledge $10 expect "exclusive blog updates, a thank you mention in our book and a one-of-a-kind postcard featuring a photo we take from the road."

Donate here.

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Comments

[Alette]

09:32 AM on 04/17/2011

Is it possible for people to have dreams that actually matter to someone other than themselves anymore? Or has the dream of self-promotion become our new American Dream?

Having a dream to be famous for (fill in the blank) is not a dream, it is a cliche learned on TV and the Internet, and it is the result of a society obsessed with promulgating its own narcissism. While these people follow their "dreams", Rome burns.

In the 60's when Martin Luther King declared he had a dream, he meant about the world, not himself. Imagine that.

[Hari Ziyad]

05:18 PM on 04/15/2011

This one is pretty good too! :)
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/756889644/saving-dick-derby

[Marjorie Moss]

03:39 PM on 04/15/2011

All I can say is, sometimes it is OK to believe in something or someone. You really don't need a valid reason to believe in something or to support someone who believes in something. Good luck to Eric and to all those who are trying to live out their dreams. I only wish more people had dreams and were willing to pursue them.

[GlennWatson]

10:28 PM on 04/15/2011

I agree. Good luck to them.

I just don't feel like paying for their vacation.

[Marjorie Moss]

08:47 AM on 04/16/2011

Fair enough, Glenn!

[BrooklynChef]

01:20 PM on 04/15/2011

Kickstarter's rules say that your project can't be to start a business. I know of a restaurant that used it for just that purpose. They turned me down for my food shop. Seems a bit sketchy to me. I'm just sayin; is all.

[GlennWatson]

01:02 PM on 04/15/2011

But Eric's bike's in rough shape, he needs health insurance, he's hungry and he'd really like a decent raincoat. >>>>

Are you joking with this?

[wbarnhill]

01:35 PM on 04/15/2011

Eric's been riding for over 7000 miles on the same bike. It needs some work to remain roadworthy. He had an accident and split open his elbow and I'm guessing that made him realize he really needs to have insurance in case something catastrophic happens. I had the pleasure of hosting Eric as he passed through South Carolina. He's a fantastic guy and I really hope he can complete his project as he's quite passionate about it.

[GlennWatson]

04:06 PM on 04/15/2011

I hope he can too but the very idea that he is asking people for money to finance his vacation is ridiculous.

In fact most of the charities listed were ridiculous wastes of time.