Chic Spotlight: rEVOLUTION CINCY
We chat with the local woman who’s a mission to inspire Cincinnatians to think about the issues important to them and “Be the Change You Wish to See.” Read on for more.
Cincy Chic: Tell us about rEVOLUTION CINCY!
Liz Wu, Writer and Producer of rEVOLUTION CINCY: rEVOLUTION Cincy is a movement to encourage citizens to think about the issues that are important to them, to communicate those issues, and then to take personal action. The motto: Be the Change You Wish to See.
This project is designed to start conversation about what we as residents of Greater Cincinnati and the various neighborhoods truly value – and what we wish could be improved. However, the real conversation begins when we discuss what we can actually DO about it – and then take action!
Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind the movement?
Wu: rEVOLUTION Cincy is inspired by the saying, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” In this historic election year, we wish to spread the message that voting is of utmost importance – and there are many other ways, beyond casting a ballot in November, that we can cast our votes on a daily basis for the community we would like to create.
rEVOLUTION Cincy will involves a music video featuring local artists with a message encouraging viewers to take direct action in their neighborhoods/city by volunteering, buying locally, educating themselves on issues of importance and “walking their talk”. This video is accompanied by a website where visitors can “vote” on the top issues in their neighborhood and then learn ways in which they can directly address those concerns.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind rEVOLUTION CINCY?
Wu: rEVOLUTION Cincy was written and produced by Liz Wu, me, of Turtle and the Stone Productions. Afrochine provided audio and video production for the music video. Mark G. Celsor designed the website, with graphic design by Lauren Frederick and Joshua Moore. Support came from ArtsWave. A cast and crew of 60+ creatives came together to make this project happen, and each person that watches the video and shares the website becomes part of the movement!
Cincy Chic: What’s the mission behind the movement?
Wu: The mission is to inspire people to engage within their communities and feel empowered to make a positive change in their neighborhood/city/world, in simple, practical and direct ways.
Cincy Chic: What makes rEVOLUTION CINCY unique?
Wu: This project asks for more than appreciation of the art – it requests the viewer to actively engage with the website, and then with their community. It also gives links on practical ways to do that locally. It is basically a guidebook on how to catalyze positive change from an individual level. Rather than dwell on frustrations on things beyond control, this project challenges the audience to focus on making a daily impact, through voting with one’s dollar, time, actions and mind.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers find rEVOLUTION CINCY?
Wu: We will be out at Findlay Market and on UC’s campus on Saturday Oct. 29, inviting the public to vote on the three most important issues in their neighborhood, and to start community conversations on how we can improve our city. We also have a challenge going on – each time you vote with your dollar, time, actions, or mind, create a hashtag and share on social media, while tagging friends and encouraging them to do the same.
Cincy Chic: Where’s the best place to go to learn more and following along with the movement?
Wu: Visit www.revolutioncincy.com or like us on Facebook.
