Community

The Arts & Social Change

Rebel Blend Fund

For every pound of Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed at Coffee By Design coffeehouses during the year, $1 is donated to the Rebel Blend Fund.

Every year CBD accepts proposals from Maine artists and/or small arts organizations whose projects may fall between the funding cracks. A committee made up of CBD staff members awards several grants. The Rebel Blend committee looks for thought-provoking projects that have the potential to engage people across the state in meaningful conversation.

The Rebel Blend Fund application form is available online or at any Coffee By Design coffeehouse. Rebel Blend grant applications deadlines are announced in the spring. Awards are announced in October.

Five Rebel Blend Grants were awarded in 2018:

“Atomic Classroom” – Kate Cutko, an artist, librarian, and social worker, is current converting a vintage Airstream into a travelling art classroom called “Atomic Classroom.” She plans to use it for art classes as well as at festivals, and plans to make it available to other artists and community groups at no cost. The funding will help complete the construction of the mobile classroom.

Maine Youth Rock Orchestra – “Rock Project” – the Rock Project is a free school program bringing music educators from the Maine Youth Rock Orchestra into schools. Its goal is to engage students and young musicians through free instruction, helping to grow the next wave of Maine artists.

“Intersection” – Street photography artist Karen Merritt and graphic artist Don Marietta are working to create photographic and graphic art installations with the goal of helping people see themselves in the statistics of issues impacting Mainers. Issues addressed will include mental health, substance use, identity and security while raising awareness for support services.  

Palaver Strings – Maya French is planning to open a music school in the fall of 2019, called Palaver Strings. The school, and its outreach programs, will focus on parent and child bonding, school readiness in early childhood, healthy after-school activities and critical thinking skills. The Rebel Blend grant will help with several planned outreach projects, including Lullaby Project, a performance residency, and a project with Maine Youth Rock Orchestra.

“City of Hidden Figures”: Inaugural Mural – Artist and activist Abigail Gray Swartz is creating a mural called “Maine Women in the Arts” as the launch of a national project celebrating female figures throughout history. The Rebel Blend Fund grant will help with a mural planned for the exterior wall of Running with Scissors and depicting artists Dahlov Ipcar, Louise Nevelson and Mary Mitchell Gabriel. 

Rebel Blend Fund