Join Groundswell and Vans In Celebrating Vans Checkerboard Day!

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is bringing the Vans Family together to rebuild and revitalize communities across the world in honor of Vans Checkerboard Day on November 18, 2021. This year, Vans will partner with DoSomething.org, global non-profit whose core competency is driving young people to take action at scale, to invite fans to participate in local and digital activations that help build vibrant, inclusive and rejuvenated public spaces through arts and culture.

As the brand’s single largest philanthropic initiative, Vans will support 16 charities from around the world who share a mission of revitalizing public spaces through arts, sports, culture, and social impact programming by donating a collective $1 million USD.

“Groundswell is proud to be one of the regional organizations chosen by Vans to participate in Vans Checkerboard Day. For 25 years, Groundswell has collaborated with communities across the country to create public art the unearths the beauty and richness that already exists as well as envisions the world as they'd like it to be,” said Robyne Walker Murphy, Groundswell Executive Director. “We are grateful to Vans for their generous support, and we look forward to making powerful art together on November 18th!” 

Fans will have the opportunity to participate in global Checkerboard Day activations, events, and brand touchpoints to connect local communities through unique and personal experiences and participate in Vans' brand mission. You can join Groundswell and Vans in Brooklyn as we celebrate Vans Checkerboard Day with a mural dedication and art making activities. Individuals must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Time: 10:30 - 11:15 am 

Location: MS 664  251 MacDougal St, Brooklyn, NY 11233, The Sumpter St. side of the building.

Activity: Checkerboard Day Mural Dedication, to activate the new Groundswell work by artist Demetrius Felder and celebrate the MS 664 community.

Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location: Betsy Head Skatepark, 254 Bristol St, Brooklyn NY 11212

Description of Event/Activation: Printmaking workshop. Using elements of design from the Checkerboard Day mural, Groundswell artists and alumni will guide people through the steps of mixing colors and screen printing onto fabric. Participants will leave with a tote bag or t-shirt that carries on the message: Together Makes It Better.