MLAB MISSION STATEMENT


The Mobile Literacy Arts Bus (MLAB) is an artist-run, renovated recreational vehicle that exists as a flexible space open to community members’ proposals for alternative educational and cultural programming.

MLAB is the collaborative effort of the 2007-2008 Social Sculpture class at Syracuse University, comprised of 10 art and architecture students and lead by artist and Director of Community Initiatives in the Visual Arts of Syracuse University, Marion Wilson. Our mission was to transform a used, 1984 Recreational Vehicle Bus into a Mobile Literacy and Arts Bus for use by the Syracuse City School District and the greater Syracuse Community. MLAB serves as a physical manifestation of Syracuse University’s Scholarship in Action initiative, by pairing University resources with community needs in an attempt to address the staggering drop out rates in the Syracuse City School District High Schools. Through the School of Education at Syracuse University, incredible curricula that bridge photography, poetry and literacy currently exist within the public schools-- however due to a crisis of space, the schools don't always have the space or resources to house it. MLAB is this space. The bus serves as a mobile classroom, digital photo lab, gallery space, and community center. As a team, we did it all: demolition, design, and construction.

MLAB is made possible from the generous support of the School of Education at Syracuse University and Entitiative.


Thursday, February 7, 2008

the floor

The floor is almost entirely in the bus now and we are looking at lighting designs and ceiling this week. Peek in and have a look - its beautiful.
Also notice the red vapor barrier - that will be the color of the cushions.
If you want to help please contact:
Jessica for uphosterying;
Yun Pei for ceiling;
Julia and Nicolette for lighting and electrical and
Zach or Marion for general inquiries and wood related issues.
We still need more laminating and collection of wood for the door and the wheel wells. Does anyone have anymore leads on scrap wood or miss gluing and clamping? NO joke.
We are working towards an April 3rd unveiling.

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