Performer needs help to change the world

MEDIA RELEASE

3 MAY 2010

Gay disabled performer needs help get to New York to change the world

Comedian and social entrepreneur Philip Patston's proposal for Performing the World 2010: Can Performance Change the World? (PTW 2010) has been accepted from over 200 proposals received.

But to be part of the diversity and passion of social change and performance from all over the world, he needs to raise about $12000 for the trip to New York.

The sixth Performing the World conference will be held in New York City from Thursday, September 30 through Sunday, October 3, 2010. Patston's presentation will be a talk and workshop punctuated by performance with Tony Lewis, aiming to demonstrate a more dynamic and constructive social paradigm and recognise diversity as more than characteristics like gender, race, disability and sexuality.

"Participants will leave with a new understanding of our natural synergy of similarity and difference, uniqueness and commonality that exists in all people, in all places, at all times," said the New Zealand Social Entrepreneur Fellow.

In a one and a half our session he will introduce his work on Functional and Experiential Diversity, run a practical session about putting Functional & Experiential Diversity into action (creating a Wise Species), and perform poetry with Lewis on harmonica.

"I’m pretty stoked and proud to have the opportunity to represent New Zealand, disabled people, queer people and social entrepreneurs at this prestigious event," Patston said. "But I need to raise about $12,000 to cover flights, accessible accommodation, conference fees and living expenses for ten days for Tony and me."

He is asking supporters to consider one or more of the following:

• Pledge any amount, large or small, on Givealittle
•
• Offer to help organise a fundraising gig
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• Offer a free venue for a gig
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• Introduce him to other people who may be able to help
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• Suggest quick-turnaround funding options
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To contact Patston, visit the contact page on www.diversitynz.com

For more about Performing the World 2010 visit www.performingtheworld.org

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