On February 10, Shaw Contract associates traveled to Las Vegas to volunteer at a day-long Hip Hop Architecture Camp hosted by Mike Ford, which strives to empower underrepresented youth.
“Mike Ford's mission is to create diversity in architecture and further inclusive design through his Hip Hop Architecture Camp,” says Shaw Contract Marketing Director Natalie Jones. “This perfectly aligns with Shaw Contract's sustainability pledge – People Together, Planet Forever – which includes diversity, equity and inclusion as a key ambition.”
Approximately 40 kids spent their day exploring themes of hip hop culture, social justice and architecture through hands-on modeling and rap writing workshops. The Shaw associates in attendance helped with everything from camp logistics to serving lunch, and Shaw also renovated the teen room at Whitney Library where the event took place.
“I have always loved music and got a certificate in music business in college, so it's amazing to get to work around such creative people who also love music and see the power it has to unite us and create a more equitable world,” says Savannah Weeks, communications manager for Shaw Contract.
Having sponsors and volunteers like Shaw allows Ford to host the Hip Hop Architecture Camp free of charge for attendees, thus maximizing its impact.
Shaw Contract first teamed up with Ford in 2023 when they collaborated on a product line to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. In addition to Shaw’s sponsorship of camps in select cities like Las Vegas and soon Atlanta, a portion of the collection’s proceeds help fund the camps.
This summer, Shaw Contract plans to sponsor a week-long Hip Hop Architecture Camp in Atlanta where campers will have the opportunity to visit numerous Shaw facilities and design their very own carpet tile.
“We will continue to look for innovative partnerships that align with our brand's sustainability mission, and we are grateful to be able to support such a cool initiative and artist,” says Shaw Contract Marketing Director Shannon Crider Langley.