Cardano Rocks NYC's Central Park SummerStage

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Session Cruz

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

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

5

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will sponsor SummerStage music events in Central Park, NYC, to promote Cardano, engaging tens of thousands and enhancing its cultural and global footprint.

[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.”

Yes, the project depends on securing a sponsorship agreement with City Parks Foundation, SummerStage for a partnership event in Central Park, NYC. This partnership is crucial for event execution and Cardano's visibility.

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

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

This project does not involve the creation of software or code that would be open source. Our focus is on sponsoring and organizing live music events in Central Park, NYC, under the Cardano brand. Therefore, the concept of open source licensing is not applicable to this project's outputs.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposal is to partner with SummerStage in presenting a series of live music concerts at SummerStage in Central Park, New York City, organized by City Parks Foundation. This initiative will significantly enhance Cardano's visibility and engagement in one of the world's most vibrant cultural hubs.

SummerStage is NYC's largest free outdoor performing arts festival, attracting over 217,000 attendees annually from May to October. It features a diverse lineup of performances, making it an ideal platform for reaching a broad and varied audience. The festival takes place in the iconic Central Park and other neighborhood parks across the city, offering an unparalleled opportunity for Cardano to connect with communities from all backgrounds.

Our partnership will include on-site branding, integrated creative activations, experiential marketing capabilities, and digital marketing integration. This will not only promote Cardano and its mission but also provide a platform for other Cardano projects to participate as co-sponsors, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the ecosystem.

The unique aspect of our solution lies in leveraging the arts to promote technology. By associating Cardano with a popular cultural event like SummerStage, we aim to transcend the typical boundaries of tech promotion, reaching new audiences in a setting that resonates with their interests and passions. This approach aligns perfectly with Cardano's ethos of community and inclusivity.

The demographics of SummerStage's audience – young, educated, and diverse – align well with the target demographic for blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption. This partnership will not only raise awareness about Cardano but also educate a new audience about the benefits and opportunities of decentralized technology in a relatable and engaging manner.

Partnering with SummerStage represents a strategic and impactful way for Cardano to expand its reach, engage with diverse communities, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of its technology and values.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

The positive impact of partnering with SummerStage concerts in Central Park for the Cardano community will be multifaceted and significant. This project aims to elevate Cardano's visibility, enhance its reputation, and foster community engagement in a global cultural hub. The impact will be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's success.

Quantitative Impact Measurement:

1. Audience Reach: Track the number of attendees at the sponsored events. SummerStage attracts over 200,000 guests annually, offering a substantial audience for Cardano's exposure.
2. Engagement Metrics: Measure engagement through social media analytics, website traffic, and interactions at the event. This includes tracking hashtags, mentions, and overall online buzz generated by the sponsorship.
3. Follow-up Surveys: Conduct surveys post-event to gauge attendees' awareness and perception of Cardano before and after the event.

Qualitative Impact Measurement:

1. Brand Perception: Assess changes in brand perception through feedback, social media sentiment analysis, and media coverage. This will help understand how the sponsorship alters public perception of Cardano.
2. Community Feedback: Gather feedback from the Cardano community and event attendees to gauge the effectiveness of the sponsorship in terms of engagement and information dissemination.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Social Media and Online Platforms: Regular updates, stories, and highlights from the events will be shared on social media platforms and online forums, keeping the community engaged and informed.
2. Collaborative Opportunities: The project will open doors for other Cardano projects to participate as co-sponsors, creating a collaborative ecosystem and shared marketing efforts.
3. Event Documentation: Document the events through videos, photographs, and articles, which will be shared with the community and used in future marketing and promotional activities.

Value to the Cardano Community:

The success of this project will bring immense value to the Cardano community by:

• Increasing brand awareness and adoption among a new, diverse audience.
• Demonstrating Cardano's commitment to supporting arts and culture, aligning with its ethos of community and inclusivity.
• Creating networking and collaboration opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Serving as a model for future community engagement and marketing initiatives.

The partnership of SummerStage events will significantly boost Cardano's presence in a key cultural and financial center, fostering community growth, enhancing brand perception, and demonstrating the practical applications and benefits of the Cardano ecosystem to a wider audience.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability and Feasibility:

1. Proven Track Record in the Cardano Community: My active involvement in the Cardano community for over two years has established me as a credible and trustworthy figure. This engagement has provided me with a deep understanding of the community's needs and expectations.
2. Successful Delivery of a Funded Project Catalyst Proposal: Having successfully delivered a project funded in Fund 8, I have demonstrated my ability to manage complex projects, adhere to timelines, and effectively utilize resources. This experience is a testament to my project management skills and commitment to delivering on promises.
3. Extensive Music Industry Experience: With two decades of experience in the music industry, I possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of event sponsorships. My industry insights are crucial for maximizing the impact and success of the proposed project.
4. Strong Industry Connections: My established relationships within the music industry, especially with key figures at CityParks SummerStage, provide a solid foundation for effective coordination and execution of the sponsorship activities.
5. Transparency and Accountability: I am committed to maintaining high levels of transparency throughout the project. Regular updates will be provided to the Cardano community, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about the project's progress and financial management.
6. Rigorous Financial Management: A detailed budget plan will be implemented, ensuring judicious allocation and use of funds. Regular financial reporting will be conducted to maintain accountability and trust.
7. Community Engagement: A key aspect of this project is active engagement with the Cardano community. Feedback will be sought and incorporated, ensuring that the project aligns with the community's interests and contributes to its growth.

My established credibility within the Cardano community, proven track record with Project Catalyst, and extensive experience in the music industry position me ideally to deliver this project successfully. The project will be marked by a commitment to transparency, effective fund management, adaptability, and strong community engagement, ensuring high levels of trust and accountability.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Partnership Agreement and Event Planning

• Tasks: Finalize partnership agreement with CityParks SummerStage and develop a detailed plan for the sponsored events, including dates, specific activities, and branding strategies.
• Timeline: 1 month
• Success Criteria: Signed agreement with CityParks SummerStage and a completed event plan.

Marketing and Publicity Campaign

• Tasks: Launch and execute a comprehensive marketing and publicity campaign to promote the sponsored events and the involvement of Cardano.
• Timeline: 2 months
• Success Criteria: Successful execution of the marketing campaign, measured by reach and engagement metrics.

Event Execution and Community Engagement

• Tasks: Execute the sponsored events as per the plan, including on-site branding and coordination. Engage with the community during the events for live feedback.
• Timeline: Duration of the SummerStage events
• Success Criteria: Successful execution of all planned events, positive feedback from attendees, and strong brand visibility for Cardano.
• Projected Cost: TBD

Post-Event Analysis and Feedback Collection

• Tasks: Collect and analyze feedback from event participants and attendees. Assess the impact of the events on brand visibility and community engagement.
• Timeline: 1 month post-events
• Success Criteria: Collection of comprehensive feedback and data indicating the impact of the events.

Reporting and Completion Report

• Tasks: Compile a detailed report analyzing the success of the events, the effectiveness of marketing strategies, and the overall impact on the Cardano ecosystem. Create a final project completion report and video.
• Timeline: 1 month after completing Milestone 4
• Success Criteria: A comprehensive report and video that provide insights and learnings for future initiatives.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

I will be the Project Lead on this.

Session Cruz (Project Lead): As the Project Lead, I bring over two decades of experience in the music industry to this initiative. My role will encompass overall project management, strategic planning, and liaising with City Parks Foundation and other stakeholders. LinkedIn Profile

Digital Media Specialist (To be recruited): We plan to recruit a specialist skilled in social media management and digital content creation to enhance our online presence and engagement.

Support from CityParks Foundation Staff:

• Erika Elliott (Executive Artistic Director) and Yunie Mojica (Programming and Partnerships Manager) from CityParks Foundation will provide substantial support. They will handle most of the event-related heavy lifting, including artist coordination, production management, and on-site event execution.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Given the nature of the project, the budget will primarily be allocated towards sponsorship fees, marketing, and event-related expenses. Here's a tentative breakdown:

1. Sponsorship Fees: A significant portion of the budget will be allocated to the sponsorship fees required by City Parks Foundation for SummerStage events. This will cover the costs associated with branding, stage presence, and other promotional opportunities at the events. The aim is to spend $15k per event, and sponsor 5 events. This might change depending on the events available for us to sponsor, and the price of those sponsorship packages. ie. 4 events @ $18k each.
2. Marketing and Promotion: Funds will be used for marketing activities to promote Cardano's presence at SummerStage. This includes digital marketing, social media campaigns, and production of promotional materials.
3. Event Management and Logistics: A portion of the budget will be reserved for event management, including coordination with event organizers, setup of Cardano-branded areas, and other logistical requirements.
4. Community Engagement Activities: Budget allocation for activities that directly engage the audience, such as interactive booths, giveaways, or information sessions about Cardano.
5. Contingency Fund: A contingency fund to cover unforeseen expenses and ensure smooth execution of the sponsorship.

The budget allocation is designed to maximize the impact of Cardano's presence at SummerStage while ensuring efficient use of resources. The exact figures will be determined based on the final agreement with City Parks Foundation and the specific needs of the marketing and event management strategies.

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

The cost of sponsoring events at CityParks SummerStage in Central Park through the Cardano ecosystem represents exceptional value for several reasons:

1. High Visibility and Impact: The SummerStage events attract over 200,000 guests annually, offering unparalleled exposure for Cardano. This visibility in a high-profile venue like Central Park, NYC, is a strategic investment, positioning Cardano as a forward-thinking, culturally engaged blockchain community.
2. Community and Ecosystem Growth: These events provide an excellent opportunity to educate and onboard new users to Cardano and its DApps, expanding the ecosystem's reach. The interactive and engaging nature of live events creates a unique platform for community building and outreach.
3. Cost Justification: The costs associated with this project are aligned with industry standards for event sponsorships in a major city like New York. The budget includes necessary expenses for marketing, logistics, team coordination, and other essential elements to ensure a successful presence at the events. These costs are reasonable considering the scale and potential impact of the initiative.
4. Proven Track Record: The project team, led by an individual with over 20 years of experience in the music industry and a history of contributing to the Cardano community, ensures that the funds will be managed effectively and efficiently. The team's experience in managing budgets and delivering value in previous projects further justifies the investment.
5. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration with CityParks SummerStage, a well-established and respected organization, ensures that the investment is put to good use, maximizing the impact and reach of the sponsorship.

The investment in sponsoring CityParks SummerStage events offers significant returns in terms of community engagement, ecosystem growth, and brand visibility for Cardano. The costs are justified by the scale of the opportunity and the professional experience of the team managing the project, ensuring that every ADA spent will contribute to advancing Cardano's presence and impact in the global community.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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