Creative
Visions Foundation uses the power of media to inform, inspire
and empower. CVF supports "Creative
Activists", people who use media and the arts to inform others
about critical social, economic and humanitarian issues and inspire
their audience to create positive change in the world. We do this
by providing grants, fiscal sponsorship and mentorship programs.
CVF Creative Activists are distinct in that
they do not simply use their creative skills to identify a problem,
but they identify possible solutions and inspire those that view
or interact with their projects to action through a set of clear
actionable steps that can be taken by individuals and organizations
to address the issue at hand.
In
addition, Creative Visions Foundation has a production division run
by Jacoba Atlas, former Senior VP of Programming at PBS, which produces
documentaries, films and television series focused on informing people
about relevant issues impacting the world today.
Young
people play a central role in communicating a message of hope and
social responsibility which underscores the Creative Visions Foundation’s
purpose. Creative Visions Foundation was inspired by the life of Dan
Eldon – artist, adventurer and activist – who was killed in 1993 while
on assignment for Reuters News Agency in Somalia. The Creative Visions
Foundation is a dedication and continuation of his philosophy: to
reach beyond oneself and touch the lives of others with creativity
and passion. Founded in 1998 by Kathy and Amy Eldon, Dan’s mother
and sister, CVF is a publicly supported 501 (c) (3) organization.
During the last decade,
technology has resulted in the democratization of media. Low cost
digital cameras, camcorders, editing, software, email, websites and
blogs have made it possible to instantly convey a story, image of
message globally. Whether it is an image of Abu Ghraib prison, a child
solider, medically needy child or an independent documentary like
Fahrenheit 9/11, we have seen the power and profound impact that an
individual can have, when enabled with the tools of new media, technology
and the arts.
Creative Visions Foundation
is built on the belief that inspiring and empowering socially conscious
young people to use media, technology and the arts to convey their
voice and vision, can transform society.
Our strategy is to maximize
the impact of our resources by reaching out to young people— our future
leaders and visionaries- to enable them to believe in their ability
to effect positive change using the power of media to deliver their
message. We believe and know this is a high leverage strategy- with
potential of having enormous impact locally and globally.
Our vision is to strengthen
the worldwide movement toward a more conscious use of media, technology
and the arts, while encouraging young people, in particular, to mobilize
for local and global causes.
Since 1998, Creative Visions
Foundation has supported the launch of numerous programs and projects
that support our mission, among them:
Two award wining documentaries: DYING
TO TELL THE STORY, SOLIDERS OF PEACE
Over 25 exhibitions of “Journey: Images
of War/Celebrations of Peace”
Four PBS television specials: GLOBAL
TRIBE
Educational and outreach activities from
curricula, screenings and seminars
History
of CVF
