The Superhero Project is seeking LGBTQ+ youth participants and digital artists from Ohio to participate in an art and storytelling project titled “Heroes Within.”
Founded in 2017, the Superhero Project is a nonprofit organization based in Chagrin Falls originally inspired by founder Lisa Kollins’s work at Camp Sunrise – Ohio’s only summer camp program developed specifically for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. She directed an activity that invited campers to describe their inner superheroes, later conceptualized by artists from across the country.
Aligning with The Superhero Project’s mission to empower children with disabilities and serious illnesses in tandem with their determination to amplify underrepresented communities, The Superhero Project is leaning into an initiative geared toward the LGBTQ+ community – ‘Heroes Within.’
‘Heroes Within’ is designed to be a social-emotional experience through art. The initiative facilitates social interaction while also encouraging participants to explore their emotions and voice their distinct perspectives. The project is presented with support by the Dr. Janet Silverstein Charitable Fund, Stonewall Community Foundation and The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
LGBTQ+ youth participants, ranging in age from 8 to 24, begin with an interview inviting them to share how they hope to inspire positive change in society and make a difference in today’s world – as if they were a superhero.
The Superhero Project then pairs the LGBTQ+ youth participants with queer artists that conceptualize each child’s heroic alter ego and creatively form visual representations of each child’s superhero dreams.
The culmination of the project, an exhibit of posters and character stories, gives participants and viewers the opportunity to see their dreams come to life artistically as unique and affirming superheroes.
“While we couldn’t have anticipated the specific circumstances the LGBTQ+ youth community is facing now, we’re honored to give them a chance to creatively share their stories and wisdom, to support their peers through the touring exhibit and digital gallery and to celebrate the contributions they’re making every day to the world,” says Lisa Kollins, the Superhero Project’s founder and executive director.
‘Heroes Within’ aims to address the vital need for young people – specifically LGBTQ+ individuals – to feel represented and seen in their communities, particularly through arts and culture. The organization strives to inspire imagination, stronger representation and inclusion and empowerment and joy.
Individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, youth of color and youth that identify with underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply for participation.
If you or a friend may be interested in participating as an artist, please apply here. LGBTQ+ youth interested in participating should apply here.
Kollins says, “The pride and celebration in this initiative and its focus on making the world a better place feels more timely – and more important – now than ever.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- For more information about The Superhero Project, visit their website.
- If you are interested in supporting ‘Heroes Within” more directly, check out the opportunity to “Sponsor a Superhero” here.
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