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Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

We hope to hire local artists to design & build 10-15 chess tables in public spaces around New Orleans.

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Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

Chess Communite: Bridging Art & Chess to Counteract Violence

We hope to hire local artists to design & build 10-15 chess tables in public spaces around New Orleans.

We hope to hire local artists to design & build 10-15 chess tables in public spaces around New Orleans.

We hope to hire local artists to design & build 10-15 chess tables in public spaces around New Orleans.

We hope to hire local artists to design & build 10-15 chess tables in public spaces around New Orleans.

Mauricio Sierra
Mauricio Sierra
Mauricio Sierra
Mauricio Sierra
1 Campaign |
New Orleans, United States
$3,670 USD 40 backers
36% of $10,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

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.

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.

People of all ages, races, genders, and class play chess. Chess bridges the differences that usually divide us.

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 need your help.

We aim to build a minimum of 10 tables in strategically selected public spaces around the city. We will pay the artists a living wage for their work, and so we estimate the tables will cost an average of $1,000 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.

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Chess in New Orleans

Few know that New Orleans native Paul Morphy is considered by the greats to be the best who ever played the game.

Yet despite the city's rich tradition of great chess play, we currently have only a couple of public spaces that incorporate chess. One stroll through New York’s Washington Square or Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle or any other park where chess is integrated into the environment shows the camaraderie and intrigue that chess tables can create.  

We will fill this void of chess infrastructure in New Orleans by commissioning community artists to build chess tables in inner-city public spaces. We aim to link the City's rich artistic tradition with its strong heritage of chess.

Kids love chess!
Kids love chess!

Our children need chess.

In addition to community engagement, the availability of free and open chess tables enhances our parks and provides our children with the opportunity to cultivate a love for chess and to experience cross-cultural relationships. We hope that these experiences will naturally lead to less violence and more tolerance in the upcoming generation.

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About us

Chess Communité is a group of chess enthusiasts with varying levels of skill and obsession. We all love the game, and we're all willing to donate our time to help this project succeed!

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

Thanks thanks thanks!

$15 USD
Thanks so much - it all adds up. You will receive a hand-written thank you note and our sincerest gratitude!
Estimated Shipping
March 2013
4 claimed

Photo + bookmark

$35 USD
Thank you for this pledge. You will receive a hand-written thank you note, a signed photo of the table your donation helped build, and a Chess Communité bookmark!
Estimated Shipping
March 2013
7 claimed

Everything + fun decal!

$60 USD
Many thanks, oh generous one! Your donation really helps us reach our goal. You'll receive a hand-written thank you note, a signed photo of the table you helped build, two Chess Communité bookmarks, and a "Chess Players Mate Better" bumper sticker!
Estimated Shipping
April 2013
2 claimed

Everything + Chess T-shirt!

$100 USD
Thank you for supporting chess, public art, and community-building efforts! You'll receive everything above (hand-written thank you note + signed photo + 2 bookmarks + decal), plus a 2013-edition Chess Communité t-shirt!
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
10 claimed

Everything + Hand-carved Piece

$200 USD
Thank you for your very generous support! You will receive everything above (thank you note + signed photo + 2 bookmarks + decal + t-shirt), plus a gorgeous hand-carved chess piece made from camel bone!
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
1 claimed

Everything + Name on plaque

$500 USD
Wow- thank you! To show our appreciation, you will receive everything above, plus your name will be inscribed on one of the tables thanking you for your generosity. Community members will always see that you made it possible for us to beautify the area, bring together the neighbors, and encourage smart play!
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
2 out of 20 of claimed

Table named for you!

$1,000 USD
We THANK YOU! You will receive everything above, plus one of the tables will be named for you! We will install a plaque on the table with your name and a brief message of your choice. We will also send you a framed photo of the table named for you, signed by the artist!
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
0 out of 10 of claimed
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