Cardano Zen: Creative Mindful Gatherings for Creators where we express soulfully, onboard on Cardano and practice mindfulness

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Anya Shlykova

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

shlykovann@gmail.com

Additional applicants

Anthony Roberts

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

A dependency on event venues.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Events

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

As the crypto Industry has developed, we have been drawn into a focus on money and investment as opposed to the original precepts of creative community, shared philosophy.

We, as creators on Cardano, can sometimes find ourselves focused outward into the material world. While the real connection lies in the community and within us. Yes, Cardano is based on blockchain, but the people, the community are what run Cardano. It’s the collective ideas, co-creation that allow us to grow.

What if at least a small part of the community and those who are interested in onboarding the Cardano could gather together in a safe beautiful space that is NOT a co-working or an office to:

meet each other and Cardano community,

to unleash the creative potential for 2 days where they would get to disconnect from the world full of worries and tasks 

to discuss the difficulties that we encounter on the way of growing on Cardano

to connect between us, the real world and our creativity 

to participate in experiences that help reconnect 

and to come back expanded and engaged even more, inside and out? 

All with laughter, play, ease!

The elevated well-being of the community is what can benefit every aspect of the ecosystem. 

During these retreats, we will offer eye-opening experiences such as mindful Cardano workshops, practices, rituals and ceremonies. These experiences will allow participants to tap into their potential, contributing to the productivity and creativity of the Cardano ecosystem. The after-all effect will impact how Cardano grows, develops and creatively unfolds. 

 

The project will engage creators, whether they are Cardano artists, developers, entrepreneurs or those who are interested in Cardano but do not know where to start. We will hold a special workshop to show the support to Cardano and to onboard the artists on the blockchain over those two days. The Cardano based creators and devs would get a chance to share their journeys with the not yet Cardano artists and engage them into the Cardano world. 

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The project will regenerate the problems that a lot of creators encounter:

Where to start on Cardano as an artist

How to work and develop on Cardano 

How to deal with stress to deliver better quality project

How to work with the creativity to unleash full potential

How to have an abundance of ideas 

Mindful approaches to creation and to life in general

The project will benefit those:

who are already in the Cardano community 

Who are about to onboard the Cardano community 

The project will bring to the Cardano Community:

New projects and artists

New Ideas

Real-life connection and exploration of potential ideas for Cardano in a safe environment 

That at the end allow the Cardano ecosystem to expand and grow stronger.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

After the event surveys sent out to participants

Evaluation of the progress of the Cardano community response 

Video diaries

Encouragement to share the experience 

Feedback on social media

New Users onboarder. 

Event Participation.

Engagement from the community. 

Number of new creators and businesses onboarded onto the blockchain. 

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Over the period of 6 months while the project is running, we will be using social media as a tool to bring visibility to the possibilities with Cardano Blockchain. This will be the main choice of sharing outputs, creating quality content about the events and targeted events and advertising.

We will also record the video diaries of some of the participants to share their stories about the experience and help promote businesses and creators who join the ecosystem. 

We will develop helpful models that can be spread through the blockchain users as an aftermath affect of the retreats.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Experience - Vision and passion - Commitment. 100 percent IN. 

Experience: We own multiple brands that are based off our creative expression and are about nutrition and art. We are artists and creators on Cardano, several projects were launched and delivered through the Cardano Ecosystem. We have been hosting workshops and organising events for the Cardano community in Collaboration with the Cardano Hotel in Barcelona, Spain for at least a year. We have delivered 4 workshops and onboarded 21 creators during this period. We have onboarded people onto Cardano across our brands that are not related to Cardano. 

Vision and passion: We are part of Cardano for the Long run and have already been living primarily off of crypto infrastructure for 11 months. It’s a path that is full of challenges and uncertainty, and the challenges we have faced, allows us to be a bring to help creators and entrepreneurs, to be completely self sufficient by creating and selling via blockchain. 

Commitment: We have been doing Cardano Based events, workshops, NFT workshops, Intro to Blockchain, and assisting family and friends to find their place in our community, without funding already. We are here for the long run, but it would be nice to be supported by the community in this mission. 

Track Record: We have Worked with the Cardano hotel to host several events and workshops, and so we have a good model for educating the public about cardano in a fun and inviting way. 

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Main goals of the projects are:

• To bring new creatives into Cardano and make Cardano onboarding more accessible, fun and easy 
• To bring mindful practices into the life of Cardano community that can help with everyday creation and life
• To bring Cardano creatives and potential new Cardano people to share the knowledge in real life and to have fun together! 

Validating if the approach is feasible:

• Counting the amount of the onboarded people after events. Onboarding 10 active new users would be considered successful after each event.
• Following up with their journey on Cardano
• Track the activities and creation process of the artists
• Gather feedback through surveys and testimonials

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1:

Starting targeted promotion campaign for the events across social media and creating a landing page with detailed information, schedule, and registration process.

Selecting the venue for the first event that aligns with the event's theme and provides a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

Structuring the event - schedule of activities, workshops, and sessions that promote mindfulness, creativity, and Cardano education.

Organising the attendance system for the event

Milestone 2:

Selecting the participants for the event 

Promotion for potential participants across Cardano and across the creative communities on social media 

Receiving submissions for the retreats and selecting the participants

Sending the pre-event surveys out to record the state before the progress

Set up necessary equipment and infrastructure, such as audiovisual systems and workshop materials.

Arrange accommodation details for participants.

Set up necessary equipment and infrastructure, such as workshop materials and practices equipment 

Milestone 3:

Hosting the first event 

Monitor and assess participant engagement and satisfaction throughout the event.

Collect feedback from attendees to identify areas of improvement and gather testimonials for future promotions. 

Compile an event report, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Reflect on the event's success and identify opportunities for future mindful events within the Cardano community.

Producing documented content and submitting it Catalyst and putting it up on social media 

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1:

Deliverables:

• Targeted promotion campaign initiated across social media platforms.
• Landing page created with detailed event information, schedule, and registration process.
• Venue selected that aligns with the event's theme and provides a serene and inspiring atmosphere.
• Event structure finalized, including a schedule of activities, workshops, and sessions focusing on mindfulness, creativity, and Cardano education.
• Attendance system organized for efficient management of participants.

Outputs:

• Increased event visibility and reach through targeted promotion across social media.
• User-friendly landing page providing all necessary information for potential attendees.
• Secured venue that enhances the event's ambiance and supports its objectives.
• Well-structured event schedule with diverse activities catering to mindfulness, creativity, and Cardano education.
• Efficient attendance system implemented to streamline participant management.

Intended Outcomes:

• Heightened awareness and interest in the event among the Cardano and creative communities.
• Increased registration and participant engagement due to clear and comprehensive event information.
• Smooth and organized event management with an effective attendance system in place.
• Submissions received for the retreats and participants chosen based on relevant criteria.

Milestone 2:

Deliverables:

• Participants selected for the event through a thoughtful selection process.
• Promotional efforts targeting potential participants across the Cardano and creative communities on social media.
• Pre-event surveys distributed to capture participants' initial state before the event.
• Accommodation details arranged for the selected participants.
• Necessary equipment and infrastructure set up, including audiovisual systems, workshop materials, and practice equipment.

Outputs:

• Well-curated participant group selected for the event.
• Increased awareness and interest among potential participants through targeted promotion.
• High-quality submissions received and participants chosen for their suitability to the event's objectives.
• Pre-event surveys completed to establish a baseline for participants' progress.
• Accommodation details finalized for a comfortable stay during the event.
• Adequate equipment and infrastructure in place to support various sessions and activities.

Intended Outcomes:

• Engaged and diverse group of participants contributing to a vibrant and collaborative event atmosphere.
• Increased participant turnout and representation from the Cardano and creative communities.
• Participants selected based on their potential to benefit from the event and contribute to Cardano ecosystem.
• Baseline established for participant progress, allowing for effective evaluation of the event's impact.
• Smooth and comfortable accommodation arrangements enhancing the overall participant experience.
• Well-prepared equipment and infrastructure supporting seamless event execution.

Milestone 3:

Deliverables:

• Successful hosting of the first event.
• Ongoing monitoring and assessment of participant engagement and satisfaction.
• Collection of feedback from attendees to identify areas of improvement and gather testimonials.
• Compilation of an event report highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Reflection on the event's success and identification of opportunities for future mindful events within the Cardano community.
• Production of documented content to be shared on Catalyst and social media platforms.

Outputs:

• Meaningful and impactful first event successfully executed.
• Recorded data on participant engagement and satisfaction for analysis and future improvements.
• Valuable feedback obtained from attendees for refining future events.
• Comprehensive event report capturing key insights and outcomes.
• Identification of potential areas of growth and expansion within the Cardano community.
• Creation and dissemination of documented content showcasing the event's value and impact.

Intended Outcomes:

• Positive participant experiences, fostering personal growth, and inspiration.
• Insights gained from participant feedback for continuous improvement and future event planning.
• Documentation and sharing of event outcomes to build credibility and attract further engagement.
• Development of a roadmap for future mindful events within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Increased awareness, interest, and participation in the Cardano community through shared content and testimonials.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

 We would love to provide these types of events for almost free for the community as we are not doing this to gain any money but to provide an expAnsive experience and serve the Cardano community / potential Cardano users, for the growth of the creativity on the ecosystem. That's why the selection process is important as we want participants to be really deliberate with WHY they would want to attend such event and WHAT they would gain from it. 

Venue price: €1700 per 2 days x 3 events = €5100. 

NB we are considering different countries and locations for different events to target different creative audiences around the globe so the price per night per venue rent might differ in different places in the world. The total budget per venue will be spread out between each venue and whatever is left from the venue budget will be invested into promotion avenue and merchandise. 

This will be more clear once the project is going through with the first milestone after receiving the funding and targeting the right audience.

Marketing: €200 per each month x 5 months = €1000

Event insurance: €750

Marketing +Administrative miscellaneous materials: €500 (printing, stationery, documentation, etc.)

Salary for the team members who will organise and lead the events: €2000/month x 2 people x 6 months = €12000

Total: €19350 which is approximately = 74823 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

• The events are for fostering creativity for the Cardano community / those who are interested in onboarding Cardano, for promoting mindfulness, and most importantly sharing creative ideas and deeply educating participants about Cardano. If the event effectively meets its objectives, it adds value for money.
• The events are intended to provide a meaningful and impactful experience that resonates with participants and Cardano, and it represents value for money.
• There is a big potential for networking, collaboration, and community building at the event. If participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and form valuable relationships, it enhances the value for money and for growth on Cardano. 
• Participants gain valuable knowledge, insights, and skills related to Cardano, NFTs, blockchain technology, mindfulness and creativity.The event facilitates personal and professional growth, so it adds value for money.
• The events lead to tangible outcomes such as increased adoption of Cardano, innovative projects with an expanded creative expression and possible future collaborations. If the event generates a positive return in Cardano community growth and increase in ADA investment, it signifies value for money.
• If participants express positive feedback and satisfaction, recognize the value gained from the event, and indicate a willingness to support future events, it reinforces the value for money and creates an opportunity for sponsorships and collaborations on Cardano for future events. 

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept