The MoneyProject began in 2008 in Toronto, Canada at the instigation of Kim Jackson. The project arose out of a desire to talk with people about our lives as lived in the current economic social structure which we know as the system of capitalism. Capitalism is a relatively new set of social and economic relations, and yet in recent history has become the dominant, while at the same time unevenly distributed, set of relational values faced by people all over the world. Living within capitalism presents us with daily ethical problems to navigate; as individuals and community members we are affected emotionally, psychologically, physically, relationally and in many other diverse ways. Important knowledge about the nature of both capitalism itself, and who we become under its conditioning can arise out of creative and reflexive engagement through our experiences.

Individuals radiating out from Kim Jackson’s social networks, including Rebecca Garrett and Riaz Mehmood, were invited to participate in making videos for the project. To date 16 video’s have been produced by MoneyProject participants some of who have video production skills and some who approached the media for the first time.

The MoneyProject takes the form of collaborative production of short video works authored by individuals and presented together. In its process it seeks out egalitarian relationships of shared power, voice, and decision-making in media production and in viewing. Its intention is to engage people willing to participate in discussion, production, the organizing of public screenings, and outreach to individuals and groups with interest in the MoneyProject from around the world. We intend that our organizing principle reaches outside of the determinations
of capitalist relationships and social structures to operate with a contemplative and open-ended
set of priorities based in our desires as social beings.

The MoneyProject is screened for free in outdoors or in intimate home settings, or socio-political gatherings. During the screenings we experiment with discussion formats, the videos are intended for sharing knowledge and as a basis for engagement with audience lived experiences and thoughts. Audience members are encouraged to also contribute videos, with the support of members of the group and to become part of the collective group.

To date we have screened the MoneyProject in diverse settings: