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Release Date: Thursday, December 4th 2014
#BetterAkron2015 Digital Media Challenge
Capture your new year's wishes for yourself and your city in 60 seconds or less
Downtown Akron Partnership and First Night Akron hope to raise the level of community engagement with the help of technology many of us keep in our pocket. The #BetterAkron2015 challenge asks individuals and families throughout greater Akron to create a 60 second or less video on their smart phone or other mobile device that captures their hopes and dreams for Akron in the new year. This program is possible through funding from Time Warner Cable Connect a Million Minds initiative and training and support by The Akron Digital Media Center.
Akronist instructors will hold brief instructional sessions at Akron-Summit County Public Library branches in early December, teaching mobile video journalism basics. Training sessions are open to adults and students. Videos created independently will also be accepted. Sessions are scheduled for Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m. at Maple Valley Branch; Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. at Highland Square Branch; Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. at the Main Library; Dec. 6, 2 p.m. at Ellet Branch; Dec. 8 and Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. at North Hill Branch.
At First Night Akron, Akronist educators will also conduct short sessions to encourage the attending audience to capture videos of their fellow attendees enjoying the event activities and performances. The drop-in training runs from 6-9 p.m. in the John S. Knight Center.
All suitable family-friendly videos will be shown in First Night Akron venues and projected outdoors on the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Street amphitheater wall. The 60 seconds or less video should share stories or hopes for the new year, and how those hopes will make Akron a better place in 2015. Creativity is encouraged. Videos need to be uploaded to YouTube by Dec. 29 and include #BetterAkron2015 in the title or description to be shown at First Night. Participants are reminded to secure necessary permissions before creating or posting a video.
Forty student participants will be randomly selected to each receive two admission buttons for First Night Akron on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m.-midnight. In addition, two lucky participants will each receive a $100 gift card to the Downtown Akron business of their choice.
About First Night Akron
Now in its 19th year, First Night Akron is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts that brings the community together. Experience a diverse display of music, dance, theater and visual and interactive arts throughout Downtown Akron on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
First Night Akron is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the city of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com.
About Downtown Akron Partnership
The mission of Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is to promote and build a vibrant and valuable downtown. DAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic life to the heart of Akron. Through strategic marketing, clean and safe programs and management of Downtown's resources, DAP works to promote downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community.
DAP's members include property owners, business leaders and government officials who want to improve the image of Downtown as a safe, convenient location for businesses, working professionals and families. DAP is governed by a board of trustees as diverse as the interests of our city. DAP is supported by Akron Community Foundation and GAR Foundation.
About the Akron Digital Media Center
The Akron Digital Media Center is a nonprofit digital media group that encourages citizen journalism in greater Akron. Its primary goal is to provide the training and tools local residents and organizations need to create news, information and entertainment that challenge and engage the community. The Media Center, and its public site Akronist.com, is open to all residents of all ages, demographics and skill levels.
About Time Warner Cable Connect a Million Minds
Connect a Million Minds is Time Warner Cable's five-year $100 million cash and in-kind commitment to inspire young people to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Launched in November 2009 in conjunction with President Obama's Educate to Innovate campaign, Connect a Million Minds engages Time Warner Cable employees, customers and community leaders in addressing the growing need for a STEM-skilled workforce.