Fundraising for BODIES
My name is Matti McLean and I am a body painter and performer in Toronto, Ontario.
In 2024, I started an initiative to try to help keep my body painting skills sharp and prepare for my Fringe Tour 2024. During this time, I set out to paint myself for everyday that I raised $100 for. During this time I managed to raise enough to paint myself everyday for the month of January.
Now I'm hoping to do it again.
I am seeking funds to take my theatrical shows on the road once again! This time not just with one show- but with two!
The first show is "BODIES" - a body painting show that has been running since 2022. Last year we played "BODIES" in Cincinnati, North Bay, Orlando, Toronto, Philadelphia and New York. This year "BODIES" will be playing in Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary Fringe (so far). Our second is an all new show called "A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Americans" which is set to debut in Orlando, is also set to tour to Toronto and Edmonton after.
Currently we are seeking to raise money for the upcoming project by creating an artistic marathon which will be commencing on January 1st, 2025.
Our fundraising effort resembles an ongoing marathon:
for every day we raise $100, we extend the duration of this fundraiser by a day. The marathon isn't just a financial endeavour; it's a journey to bring the vibrant and introspective experience of BODIES to audiences nationwide and around the globe.
The funds we are diligently collecting will be allocated to cover essential expenses such as travel, boarding, food, painting supplies, crew, and theatre rentals—a comprehensive effort to support the extensive tour of this fringe show across the continent- and hopefully beyond.
Matti McLean, the visionary artist and performer behind BODIES, is taking an extraordinary step to fuel our fundraising mission. Every day, he will embark on a live public painting session, using his own body as the canvas. This daily ritual serves a dual purpose: a bold statement of body positivity and a means for McLean to refine his artistic prowess before gracing the stage at Fringe Festivals and performances across the country.
The artistic challenge kicks off on January 1st, 2025, and you can witness this process through live streams on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. McLean's daily paintings will unfold in intimate public spaces, fostering personal interactions with the audience and making art accessible to all who participate in this journey. Join us as we transform each day's fundraising success into an extension of this artistic marathon to help BODIES break new ground across the continent and beyond.
Body Painting - 2013
Painting Subject : Robbie - Solo Painting, Toronto Fringe, 2022
BENEFITS TO SUPPORTING BODIES:
Support of $10
Exclusive Discord Community Access:
By becoming a sponsor with any amount, supporters gain exclusive access to our brand-new Discord server. Here, they'll find a vibrant community of fellow donors and enthusiasts, along with behind-the-scenes photos, project updates, and sneak peeks into upcoming shows. It's the perfect space to connect with like-minded individuals and stay in the loop on all things Can't Stand Sitting.
Recognition and Live Shout-Outs:
For every generous contribution of $20 or more, sponsors receive special recognition! Their names will be proudly displayed on our online thank you page, and they'll enjoy a live shout-out on the day of their choice. It's our way of expressing gratitude and making each supporter a celebrated part of the BODIES journey.
Weekly Draw for Exclusive Artwork and Merchandise:
Sponsors contributing over $20 automatically enter a weekly draw for a chance to win exclusive paintings and One Chic Geek gift certificates and merchandise. It's our way of adding a touch of excitement to their support, with unique and artistic prizes waiting to find new homes every week.
An Archive of Previous Shows
When you contribute more than $20 to the fundraiser, you will have the opportunity to enjoy our back catalogue of monologues and short fiction works. This includes all the 20/20 shows, up to and including the transforMATTIve project. This features over 500 monologues for actors of all genders, ages and abilities and is available to download immediately upon sponsorship.
(Valued at over $200)
Written History and Current Works:
A $50 donation will include not only a collection of Matti's digital monologues and short works, but also a collection of his scripts, novels and plays.
You'll receive the digital version of GlitterBomb 2024, as well early access to the digital editions of "Nicky Wrecks His Shoes... Also the World" and "Nicky Goes To Hell." (both due in 2024)
Personalized Sponsorship Day:
With a donation of $100 or more, sponsors can claim a specific day that they're directly sponsoring. As a special touch, they get to choose the primary colour palette or design inspiration for that day's artistic endeavour. It's a chance to leave a personal mark on the creative process and make their support truly unique.
Exclusive BODIES Book Access:
As a token of our appreciation, sponsors over $100 will receive exclusive access to the digital BODIES book. This beautifully crafted piece delves into Matti McLean's remarkable body painting journey, providing an in-depth exploration from his humble beginnings to the modern day. It's a collector's item that encapsulates the essence of BODIES.
These perks are designed to not only express our gratitude but also to make sponsors feel intimately connected to the artistic journey of BODIES. Each reward is thoughtfully curated to enhance their experience and celebrate their crucial role in bringing this extraordinary show to life.
How to Donate:
For e-transfers: please send balances to CantStandSitting@Gmail.com
Donate Through PayPal: You can donate through PayPal by using the link HERE
Explore our Donation Station HERE