Join the Event

April 7th 9:00 – 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Featuring OpenGrants.io – The OpenGrants platform is a search engine and expert marketplace unlocking non-dilutive U.S. funding for organizations around the world. We’re empowering startups, nonprofits, grant writers, foundations, and government agencies to participate in a new paradigm of funding.

General Description:

Public Funding 101 is a crash course in navigating non-dilutive grant funding for founders. Sedale will cover the nuances of securing public funding and working with the government. You will learn how to find grant funding, evaluate opportunities, and develop relationships with government agencies.

CEO. Startup Junkie. Professional Human Being. Investor. Business Designer. Strategic Consultant. Guide. Musician.

Sedale Turbovsky is the CEO and co-founder of OpenGrants, a venture-backed startup focused on building a modern infrastructure for funding. He has been an entrepreneur since childhood. After honing his leadership skills as an outdoor guide in his younger years, he started his professional career as an independent consultant focused on delivering data products and digital strategies to enterprise clients in South America.

He is experienced in independent grant writing and public/private partnerships at the highest level, having worked directly with OpenGrants’ current strategic partner, Momentum. Prior to OpenGrants, Sedale served as the CEO of carbonBLU, a successful SaaS startup solving challenges in fleet management. Sedale led the company through MVP and helped secure a healthy pipeline of government contracts. During that time, he gained intimate knowledge of the challenges and pitfalls of applying for and managing grant funding as a technology startup, which was the impetus for OpenGrants.

Join the Event

watch our free session on immigration, instructions below

Are you planning to expand your own business in the U.S. within the next 6-10 months?

I would like to invite you to our monthly Founders Meetings.

At these zoom calls, we share our views on the main factors that keep founders struggling:

👉 our framework to build a go-to-market strategy,

👉 how to create a pitch deck (with strategic persuasion),

👉 what investors look for,

👉 selection process and how we work with investors.

only 1 meeting every month.

This Event is passed, but you can still watch the recording at M Accelerator

For foreign national startup founders and employees, having a work visa solution is critical to securing funding, building partnerships, and ensuring future success in the United States.

Yet, there has never been a more volatile time in the U.S. immigration space.

The goal of this event is to provide quality information, creative solutions, and a sense of direction for you and your employees as you navigate the immigration system.

Jeff Goldman, Founder of Jeff Goldman
Immigration will lead a discussion to:
1. Outline likely scenarios based on the results of the presidential election;

2. Review work visa options to help companies strategize solutions for key foreign talent;

3. Introduce the cap-exempt H-1b visa solution with partner organization Open Avenues.

Join us to unpack the complex immigration system and discuss new pathways to stay and build in the United States.

November 10th, 9:00AM PST (18:00 CET)

m accelerator is an innovative, Los Angeles-based startup school designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with interactive, hands-on learning that helps them to develop the skills needed to get a start-up idea off the ground. Our international program offers 12-week courses throughout the year and 4-week summer school sessions that consist of lectures and workshops focusing on marketing, communication, and English language skills, as well as the finer points of taking a startup from concept to reality.

Our principles of creativity and mentorship, paired with an intensive abroad study program provide the platform for young entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe to expand their talents and explore their potential. It all takes place in the epicenter of the booming Los Angeles tech scene. What can you expect when you join the m accelerator program?

Startup Summer Program

Are you an individual or member of a team that already has a startup idea? Perhaps you’re searching for the kernel of inspiration to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a profitable reality. At m accelerator, we’re seeking ambitious and enthusiastic visionaries seeking guidance and empowerment through expert training and mentorship.

Our 4-week summer startup program will take place from August 1-24, 2018 at our dedicated L.A. workspace and feature lectures and workshops hosted by business experts, entrepreneurs, and teachers from top American universities. Hands-on workshops are designed to challenge participants with the ultimate goal of generating new ideas and creating complete business plans. The program culminates in a pitch day, during which participants will unveil their projects.

m accelerator focuses on concepts and innovations in technology that are changing the world we live in right now. The current program features four areas of investigation, including:

– Industry 4.0: IoT (Internet of Things)

– Cyber-Physical Systems

– Computing Smart Building Technologies

– Automation Arts, Entertainment, Culture, Media Production

Our summer abroad program also includes the Entrepreneur Series, featuring meetings with a network of notable entrepreneurs and mentors operating in the Los Angeles area. These real-world experts provide valuable information and insights to program participants on the verge of launching their own startups. Some of these events will be captured on the m accelerator blog. Our professional partnerships include, but are not limited to: BIC Lazio, Kaplan International, Lyft, Netflix, and UCLA Extension.

Tech Los Angeles

Los Angeles is not only the third largest technology ecosystem after Silicon Valley and New York, but it is also the fastest growing tech economy in the U.S. Los Angeles is unique in that it offers a confluence of technology, art, and entertainment, making for a creative and dynamic environment in which to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. The city features over 2,300 startups, providing incalculable prospects for program participants to network with other entrepreneurs and founders, as well as potential investors. The opportunity to expand your professional network is one of the best reasons to join an m accelerator program.

L.A. is also a prime location for anyone interested in vacation study. Many program participants are first-time visitors to the U.S., and Los Angeles offers unique opportunities for fun and sightseeing outside of program hours. We encourage startup program participants to explore the surrounding area. Those who enroll by December 31^st will receive special offers, including:

– One ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood ($100 value)

– Gift cards for Lyft and Uber

– A 3-month subscription to Netflix (starting two months prior to the summer program)

– One surfing lesson each week at Santa Monica Beach

Idea Design & Entrepreneurship

The m accelerator startup school is dedicated to providing exceptional value through mentorship and a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Our 12-week abroad study programs feature 200 hours of intensive learning, including lectures, workshops, and individual coaching, and our 4-week summer school provides an accelerated version of this program.

Our approach to teaching follows the Multi-Modal Idea Design method, supporting creative learning while preparing to overcome real-world business challenges. Students are encouraged to view problems from the consumer perspective and work toward goals using techniques like visualization, journey-mapping, brainstorming, and concept development. Equally important, however, is developing a systematic approach to problem-solving. At m accelerator, we strive to pair experimentation with proven methods in order to create a safe, supportive environment in which aspiring entrepreneurs can explore innovative, “design-thinking” solutions.

Program Specifics

What is included in the m accelerator summer program? Here’s what you can expect.

The Offer Includes

– Pre-arrival support

– 4-week Startup School

– Accommodation in double occupancy units

– Temporary health insurance (for international travelers)

– Tickets to business networking events

**Airfare is not included

Program Breakdown

– Pre-arrival Kit

Prior to starting your Los Angeles m accelerator program, you’ll receive a pre-arrival kit designed to provide a smooth transition into your intensive coursework. The kit includes valuable resources and gifts intended to provide the support, guidance, and inspiration you can expect throughout your studies with m accelerator. Our webinar series will introduce you to our L.A. team and the Los Angeles area. You’ll learn about options for accommodation, nearby amenities and attractions, and some of the cultural and entertainment opportunities to explore when visiting Los Angeles. We want every participant to have a positive and fulfilling experience.

ESL students can begin to improve English language at home. Confirming at least three months in advance gives you the best opportunity to take advantage of early access to learning resources. Early enrollees can also take advantage of special offers, including a Netflix subscription available as early as two months prior to program participation. Don’t miss valuable opportunities – make sure to enroll early.

– From Idea to Business

How do you get from point A to point B with your business startup? We’ll explore the steps that take you from a concept to a concrete plan so you can develop a business model that supports measurable growth and competitive strategies. This course covers competitive analysis, creating and defining a unique selling proposition (USP), identifying ideal customers, and more. Real-world situations and applications are provided.

– Digital Marketing Advertising

Practical applications in digital marketing and advertising are essential to launching successful business startups, and this course focuses on tools, techniques, processes, and procedures for developing effective and efficient marketing strategies. Students will learn to identify keywords, integrate social media with other forms of business marketing, and effectively utilize AdWords and Facebook. Case studies are included to highlight effective and profitable advertising campaigns and introduce students to tried and tested methods.

– Visual Communication and Visual Design

Presentations are an essential component of gaining interest and investment dollars for your startup project. The Visual Communication and Visual Design course provides instruction on creating engaging and compelling presentations, integrating both storytelling and graphic design techniques. Samples, layouts, templates, and design ideas are provided.

– Pitching for Successful Presentations

There is both art and science to pitching, and considering the level of competition for investment in startups, you’ll need to master both. With instruction from a national pitch competition winner, students will gain valuable, practical information and insight into the process of creating effective pitches that will mean the difference between failure and success when lobbying investors.

– From Concept to Product Development

Practical workshops and case studies of real-world successes and failures are used to explore potential pathways leading from business concept to product development. Topics covered in this interactive course include minimum viable product (MVP), planning and scheduling, user personas for your MVP, product market fit, mockups, productivity tools, and how to find tech co-founders.

– Website and Landing Page

If you’re not online, you’re not visible. This course provides instruction in the creation of effective websites and landing pages, using WordPress CMS. Students will learn the to create visually appealing and user-friendly designs. Topics include themes research and installation, layout customization, plugins, A/B testing, calls to action (CTAs), and search engine optimization (SEO) for WordPress.

– Business English (for ESL student)

This course is designed to help ESL students develop English language skills, improving conversation, pronunciation, writing, and related skills. Several courses are offered based on proficiency, and students will be assigned to a class following testing and assessment. Students may begin coursework up to two months prior to the program start date.

– Final Presentation

The startup program culminates in a presentation to pitch your startup. Audience members include other program participants, instructors, and local entrepreneurs and investors.

Accommodations

Participants in our international program will receive accommodations in Los Angeles. Double occupancy accommodations are included as part of the program. In addition, m accelerator arranges workspace for participants through nearby co-working facilities that exemplify the thriving international and entrepreneurial spirit of downtown Los Angeles.

Tours

Our Los Angeles workroom is centrally located, just steps from nearby startups, businesses, incubators, and other programs. When possible, m accelerator arranges tours at nearby businesses so students can glimpse the possible future of their own startup vision.

FAQs

I don’t have a startup idea. Am I still eligible to participate in a startup program?

Absolutely. Individuals and teams are welcome to join, whether they have a startup idea coming into the program or not. All you need is a desire to succeed, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work with a team to develop a project throughout the duration of the summer school program.

What are the benefits of participating in your study abroad program?

– Learn to structure a business plan, starting with an idea

– Develop effective pitch techniques

– Understand investor requirements

– Create and manage a website with WordPress

– Improve English language skills (for ESL students)

– Gain social and cultural enrichment in a friendly and tolerant international community

– Stand out in an international marketplace

This is my first trip to the U.S. How can I prepare?

In over a decade of organizing our international program, we’ve learned that many of our exchange students are visiting the U.S. for the first time. The vacation study experience can cause both excitement and trepidation. As a result, we’ve developed a Guide for Departure that we send to international students, and anyone in our abroad study program can also participate in a series of preparatory meetings and seminars prior to departure in order to ensure a positive and rewarding experience.

For further information, contact us today at:

m accelerator

info@maccelerator.la / +1 (213) 395-0995

www.maccelerator.la

Announcing New Art Installation Against Wasting Water

LED made waterfall to promote water conservation awareness

Pasadena Waterfall, at Residence Inn Marriott in Pasadena, California

is an Innovative light sculpture by Alessandro Marianantoni that captures the essence of water conservation through its incredible 47-foot interactive light sculpture.

Los Angeles, CA – August, 2016 – MEDIARS LLC is pleased to announce the opening of its newest light sculpture called, “Pasadena Waterfall”, created through the City of Pasadena Public Art Program for R. D. Olson Development.

The commission, with a marked awareness of the current condition, starts from one of the most basic elements of the earthly ecosystem to encourage citizens to reconsider its cultural relationship with the ever increasingly fragile stability of the planet.

The work reflects the question of water consumption in a decisively contemporary narrative in hopes of stimulating realistic reflection on contemporary behavior regarding water usage. The work explores the limits of modern sensibility regarding a current problem like that of water consumption and the possibility for the human race to live in its environment.

Recent photos of the dried out California reservoirs contrast the fleeting cinema graphic images of the land of American dreams. The water crisis in California demonstrates its vulnerability despite the fact that it is among the richest areas on the planet. This project celebrates in a modern language the beauty of the water that we are risking to lose in one of its most magnificent manifestations: a waterfall.

This new public artwork is a permanent gateway to Pasadena Old Town, it is an interactive outdoor light installation on the facade of the Residence Inn Marriott in Pasadena. The eye-catching sculpture consists of a 47-foot aluminum structure and custom LED modules embedded with the architecture of the hotel. It is visible from the 210 Interstate at N Fair Oaks Ave and Corson St.

The artist, Alessandro Marianantoni, had this to say: “This project has been an incredible experience that accentuates the beauty and grace of a waterfall. We also wanted to highlight the importance of water conservation, especially for the state of California. Due to the intricate nature of the composition, Pasadena Waterfall also demonstrates how technology and nature can be fused, working together toward a common goal.”

The main concept of Pasadena Waterfall is the simple beauty of a waterfall, along with a message about water conservation. In addition, the sculpture is a marvel in the field of art and technology, as the light modules were created through a combination of Fibonacci and Voronoi algorithms.

The Fibonacci series have been used by scientists to describe and map natural objects such as plants, flowers, water, human bones, and the solar system. Designed by MEDIARS LLC, there are 185 custom light modules in translucent Polyethylene using 400 Philips iColor Flex LMX gen2 LED elements, which are individually controllable.

The Polyethylene modules are fabricated with a rotational molding industrial process at MODRoto. The aluminum structure was produced and installed by Tractor Vision. TouchDesigner was the platform used to develop the custom lighting controller.

MEDIARS LLC (www.mediars.la) handled the design and production, working as a one- stop shop. Marianantoni adds, “The intent of this project was to bring awareness to one of the Earth’s most important natural elements, water, because its presence is responsible for community settlements and for all living things. Water is the expression of energy and serenity within the scope of natural beauty. The waterfall in Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco, specifically the Switzer Waterfall, was the inspiration for this artwork.”

The Pasadena Waterfall project engages people physically and appeals to their presence in the digital world at the same time. Pedestrians and visitors who are walking or standing by can activate the waterfall’s release. More people near the installation will trigger a richer waterfall effect.

The installation creates a playful, responsive and meaningful experience generated through its embedded, interactive computer system. To optimize the workflow, the artist developed a simulation system that made it possible to test and design the animations months before the building was completed. After dusk, when the lights are visible, the aluminum surface reflects the lights creating unique glowing effects.

“Public arts programs such as these have been shown to keep people engaged in their community. – continues the artist– My way of working is multi-faceted in order to best involve the public. I prefer using different means of communication. Though technology is a crucial element of modern life, programs like this make it possible to communicate with people in a contemporary language” concludes Marianantoni.

The artist Alessandro Marianantoni would like to extend his appreciation to the City of Pasadena Public Art Program, R. D. Olson Development, and public art advisor, Beatrix Barker.

About Alessandro Marianantoni

Alessandro Marianantoni is an Italian artist who works internationally on artistic, cultural and entertainment-based projects with an emphasis on new media and technological innovation. Based in Los Angeles, he has produced and presented innovative projects in the U.S. and Europe. He has worked at UCLA REMAP in theater, film and television, which allows him to expand his research in various areas of interest, including culture, technology, including smart buildings, the environment and the Arts, with a unique, multi-disciplinary approach.

About MEDIARS LLC

www.mediars.la

MEDIARS is a multimodal design studio that creates meaningful and engaging experiences worldwide, often creating and deploying cutting edge technology. MEDIARS’ work appears on screens, architecture, themed destinations and stages.

Media Contact:

MEDIARS LLC

824 S. Los Angeles St. #400

Los Angeles, CA 90014

310-574-2495

info@mediars.la

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Join fellow artists, designers, video artists and developers  from June 20 to July 4, 2015 in Milano, as we explore innovative new media art production and  promotion techniques. MEDIARS EXPO MILANO 2015  is the 6th edition of the multifaceted experimental approach for the multidimensional contemporary artists.

more information

For the past four years, Transmedia, Hollywood, a UCLA/USC co-sponsored symposium, has provided an interdisciplinary summit for the free interchange of insights about how transmedia works and what it means as well as looking at the dramatic changes in the entertainment industry as it adapts to a digital economy.

This year’s Transmedia, Hollywood conference is taking on a new challenge—tracking the major changes taking place in the television industry. Companies like Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube and Microsoft Xbox, all of which began with very different goals than original series production, have slowly begun dipping their toes into the original content waters.

This evolution is a sure sign that big change is afoot in the entertainment industry. For that reason, UCLA and USC’s fifth annual Transmedia Hollywood becomes Transforming Hollywood 5: The Future of Television. The one-day symposium, set for April 4, 2014, will examine the landmark transformations that are impacting creators, distributors and audiences in extraordinary ways.

Topics to be covered include reinventing TV for the digital future, video streaming on demand, independent content creation, as well as re-imagining television consumption. Continuing in the tradition of previous years, panelists—cutting edge industry leaders and innovators, content creators, artists and scholars—will tackle these issues in a series of lively debates that take into consideration both the practical and business realities of these shifts, as well as their cultural implications.

For more information, including ticket purchase, visit: http://transforminghollywood.tft.ucla.edu/.

With pleasure  we announce that the project Italian Close-Up 2013 has been selected for Art Verona 2013 October 10-14, 2013 in Verona.

ITALIAN CLOSE-UP, MEDIARS e ACCADEMIA di BELLE ARTI ALDO GALLI

Vi invitano alla conversazione

LA PRODUZIONE DELLA BELLEZZA. LA SETA OLTRE LA MODA
Creatività nella decorazione e nobilitazione serica

Lunedì 24 giugno ore 18.00
Sartoria – Accademia di Belle Arti Aldo Galli
via Petrarca 9 Como

con

Francina Chiara, Curatore Museo Studio del Tessuto Fondazione Antonio Ratti

Marco Herberston Kinloch, Kinloch

Giuseppe Menta, Creatore Tessile

Michela Ornati, Consulente Moda e Lusso, Docente Università di Arti e Scienze Applicate della Svizzera Italiana

Roberto Peverelli, Dirigente Scolastico Setificio Isis Paolo Carcano

Michele Viganò, Amministratore Delegato Seterie Argenti

scenografia Tessuti in fiore a cura degli Archivi Tessili Rose Unite

Caterina Lunghi
caterina.lunghi@gmail.com
t. 329 38 90 440

www.accademiagalli.com
info@accademiagalli.com

Italian Close-Up – workshop internazionale sul lago di Como
www.mediars.eu/como

presented by ITALIAN CLOSE-UP  MEDIARS COMO