New Orleans needs public chess tables.
We need them because they're fun. We need them because they'll be beautiful. We need them because they allow people to interact who normally couldn't. We need them because our kids are desperately lacking positive recreational options. We need them because they encourage thought, play, and most of all, nonviolence. Chess gets people together! Chess strengthens communities. Because the tables will be placed strategically around the city, diverse populations will be able to enjoy them. Through the combined experience of art and chess, neighbors will have the opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Because the infrastructure for smart play will be in place, children will have alternative options to violence. We want to make ART tables. We will work with local artists and artist organizations to design and build the tables. The artists must create functional, durable chess tables. Within that framework, they will have the freedom to manifest their inspiration. We hope each table will be uniquely suited to its location in whichever park, neutral ground, sidewalk, or other public space will be its home. Stunning tables will attract & inspire players. Chess builds community and creates space for engagement between diverse groups. It accomplishes this even in an uninspired environment because a love of chess bridges what usually divides us. Simply put, all different types of people love to play. Given that, imagine how effective stunning tables will be! Combining mixed media sculpture, photography, and poetry with functional chess tables will double the allure. Some will come for the art and stay for the chess. Others will do the opposite. People of all ages, races, genders, and class play chess. Chess bridges the differences that usually divide us. We need your help. We aim to build a minimum of 15 tables in strategically selected public spaces around the city. We are working to get materials donated. We will pay the artists a living wage for their work, and so we estimate the tables will cost an average of $500 each to design, build, install, and maintain. Please donate what you can to make this project a reality. Every donation counts, so even if you can't give much, please show your support! And if you have money to spare, consider donating generously. We believe this is truly a good cause. |
With the addition of public chess tables, New Orleans could host successful events like this one:
Public chess draws a crowd!
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About communité
Chess Communité aims to achieve cross-cultural engagement in the New Orleans community. The word community, like much of New Orleans, has deep French roots. "Community" comes from the Old French word "communité", which is derived from the Latin word "communitas" (cum, "with/together" + munus, "gift"), a broad term for fellowship.
We hope to encourage New Orleanians young and old to form engaged cross-cultural, multi-racial fellowships centered around art and chess.
We hope to encourage New Orleanians young and old to form engaged cross-cultural, multi-racial fellowships centered around art and chess.