Chances are, you’ve likely heard about “frank” in one of your classes. Chances are even higher that you’re not quite sure what it is. And no, we’re not talking about that dirt body scrub you’ve seen all over your Instagram feed.
So let’s clear things up for you. Frank is a self-described community of movement builders and change makers created through the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. The name frank refers to both the direct approach to work the group takes as well as pays homage to Frank Karel, a big thinker in the field of public communications.
Members of the community include strategists, researchers, artists, journalists, students and others with the shared goal of using evidence-based strategies to drive social change. Frank provides a platform for research and news to inform and drive the field of public interest communications through their website and annual gathering.
But the groovy frank fun doesn’t stop there.
Frank will be launching Changeville, a film, music, comedy and virtual reality festival, on Feb. 25 and 26. Changeville, set among the local coffee shops, music venues and tech companies of Gainesville, connects artists, storytellers, comedians and movement builders alike.
The annual music and storytelling festival will provide a platform for moviegoers and music lovers to connect and visit screenings, exhibits, and other shows open for the festival. The gathering will allow attendees to cross paths with professionals who build movements and drive positive social change. Screenings for select films related to social change will be held in the Hippodrome State Theatre. The Market Street Pub will also be hosting several comedians and a performance by Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Musical Sideshow, a burlesque troop encouraging positive female body image.
“For as long as people have worked to drive change, music has amplified their efforts, brought new people in and inspired others,” said Ann Christiano, creator of frank and Changeville. “When music, books, film and comedy accompany movements, change happens.”
The festival will feature Charles Bradley, The Mountain Goats, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Flat Land, II Gato, TOMBOi and Wax Wings.
Tickets can be purchased online for $27.37 until Jan. 31, after which tickets will be sold for $31.59. Tickets may also be purchased the week of the event for $37.92.
