Today, the trustees of A2Awesome handed over $1,000 in cast to Amanda Sari Perez, a co-founder of Syncytium, which is an open group dedicated to creating large-scale, interactive art in the Ann Arbor and Detroit communities. The funds will be used to complete the construction of a 16 foot (radius) geodesic dome out of 1.5 inch thick electrical conduit. The structure, according to Perez, is intended to serve as a platform on which others in the community can express their creativity. “The dome will be deployed at A2 Maker Faire, Detroit Maker Faire, Figment, and Lakes of Fire – all of which are local events that support creativity and community, and celebrate the arts, and DIY building,” says Perez. “And I want it to be readily available for others in the Ann Arbor area, who have the space to host it, and creative ideas concerning how to use it.”

Among other things, Syncytium plans to stretch cargo netting across the inside of the dome and use it as a jungle gym, and cover it with lights, using it as a portable shelter for DJs performing in the Detroit area. “Other people,” says Perez, “may want to use it for parties, fundraisers, gatherings, or performances. They may want to hang hammocks or swings inside of it. They may want to cover it in some way, or leave it open.” Ultimately, according to Perez, she would like to see it find a semi-permanent home where it could exist as a giant instrument, filled with cords that would trigger sound, either electronically or mechanically, when tugged or clambered upon.

According to A2Awesome Board Member, Linh Song, Perez’s dome project was chosen as this month’s recipient, because “It’s the kind of thing that could continue to foster awesomeness for years to come. Not only will people be able to play on it at Maker Faire, which is awesome in its own right, but it’ll exist as an easily-transportable cultural asset that could be used in hundreds of different ways. We’re excited to see how it inspires people. The potential is endless.”