The amount of media coverage the Fake New York Times stunt received was staggering. It spread to news outlets all over the globe like wildfire. The chief organizers of the event, Andy Bichlbaum from The Yes Men and Steve Lambert from the Anti-Advertising Agency appeared on CNN the day after the storm to discuss the project.

We’ve been tipped off to a top secret event happening on the streets on New York next week. The organizers (who include the Yes Men, the Anti-Advertising Agency, and others) aren’t giving much away, but if you’re praying for an Obama win today then this will be up your alley (no matter who wins.)

Get involved and join their team.

Artist Steve Lambert sent us a new collaboration of his, The Federation of Students and Nominally or Unemployed Artists. The group spent an afternoon in Union Square Park in Manhattan giving away “instant grants” to anyone who pitched them a project.

How it works:

The FSNUA aims to re-inspire creative thinking and action in everyday people by removing a small barrier and providing encouragement. We give small, unsecured grants in the form of $10-$60 for creative projects thought up on the spot by everyday people. In the past this has included a merchant marine, two 10 year old girls, a US soldier on leave from Iraq, an accordion player from Alaska, and around 40 others. We funded their new paintings, drawings, knitting, and photojournalism projects, and the repair of one accordion. Projects that may not have happened had they not come across 10 people in the park to support and inspire the thought.

Beyond the small amount of money, the project encourages people to see themselves as something other than workers or consumers even if it just for the length of time required to apply for the FSNUA grant. We also hope to re-inspire dormant desires to create while presenting an example of generosity without an ulterior motive.