Good ideas are simply good without the work to make them great.
Edmontonians gathered last night to breathe life into good ideas with the potential for greatness.
A group of 12 outside-the-box thinkers presented a diverse list of ideas on sustainability, showing 20 images, for 20 seconds each at the fourth annual Pecha Kucha. Keeping in line with the green framework of the ICLEI conference, ideas ventured past the realm of reducing, reusing and recycling.
“Our presentations went beyond sustainability,” said host Cary Williams. “These are people who are doing interesting and creative things in the city, and wanted to showcase what they’re doing.”
Forward-thinking presenters shared dreams on the future of eco-friendly transport, urban planning, and cultural preservation.
One such initiative going beyond the realm of imagination will trade volunteer hours for art pieces, in a “Timeraiser” auction set for October.
Pieces born from the minds and hands of local artists will be up for grabs, but instead of cash, bidders will offer themselves for a number of volunteer hours.
“Social sustainability is about keeping our social framework healthy,” said Timeraiser presenter Liz Lepper. “So many organizations like homeless shelters and crisis lines operate on a volunteer basis. If they don’t have the manpower, we all suffer.”
Pecha Kucha nights are held annually in 180 cities around the globe. Last night’s event at the Shaw Conference Centre saw close to 700 attendees. Ideas introduced at the previous three local events have spawned into successful, working initiatives.
“People in Edmonton really are interested in what’s happening in our own city, and we’re seeing how new ideas can inspire people,” Williams said.
