Amplify Arts’ Public Impact Grant Project CAR>GO Progresses with Shipping Container

In mid-July, Amplify Arts’ 2019-2020 Public Impact Grant recipients John Cohorst and Holly Kranker moved into the next phase of their project CAR>GO (Community Activated Resource on the GO) with a special delivery. John and Holly will renovate a donated shipping container to serve as the physical hub for the project. CAR>GO is a mobile, shared meeting and workspace housed inside the renovated shipping container, where artists, architects, designers, engineers, and the like can exchange ideas, have conversations about issues of infrastructure, and collaborate on neighborhood projects.

John and Holly are using CAR>GO to reimagine conventional building approaches by creating a space that’s scaled down, made of repurposed materials, and powered by renewable energy. KANEKO, Amplify Arts’ downtown neighbor and valued partner in the Omaha arts scene, donated their outdoor space to house the shipping container during the project’s buildout. After the renovation is complete, John and Holly will accept applications from collaborators for use of the space. They are also inviting the community to help them with the renovation, and more information about community skill shares and workdays are forthcoming.

Amplify Arts’ Public Impact Grants are awarded after a submission review process to an individual artist, collaborative duo, or artist collective working toward realizing a large-scale, public-facing project that responds to a specific concern within their immediate community. These $10,000 awards are designed to support artists and organizers working to address systemic issues and strengthen their communities. Amplify Arts promotes unity, innovation, and progress in the arts to build strong and vibrant communities. Contact Program Director Peter Fankhauser at peter@amplifyarts.org for more information about grants or to get involved, and follow the organization on Facebook (@Amplify Arts) and Instagram (@amplify_arts).