West to Mars-Call for Collaboration

West to Mars,
the Next Step to the Stars

A Call for a Collaborative Project
to the Creative Arts Community

Many of us have been captivated by the exploration of space. Our excitement about what has been learned and our amazement at what we have seen, since the inception of humanity's step out into the near cosmos, has been a very gratifying experience.

Over the centuries, Mars has held a particular fascination for many. In the most recent decades we have been entranced by the images transmitted back to us from this world. The astoundingly diverse terrain - fog filled valleys, cloud shadowed plains, wind sculpted dunes and ice encased plateaus - has called to us.

A call that is, now, continuing to be answered by several projects. As I write this Surveyor and Pathfinder are on course. When they arrive to either orbit or land on Mars, one more step in Mars exploration will be realized. But...

We now need to, in some form, stimulate support for an even more aggressive exploration agenda. A plan that must include the following:

`With current technology and in an economically feasible manner, manned exploration of Mars within the next 10 years is quite possible according to Dr. Robert Zubrin in his book The Case for Mars.`

I find this possibility very exciting. I can't wait to see actual hand held video and stills of the locations - we haven't seen yet - which our artwork is attempting to depict and our words are endeavoring to express! Will we find an uncanny precognitive depiction or will it just look similar or will they be even more alien than we envisioned? Astonishment and surprising revelations will be the order of the day I would imagine.

But, more importantly, after studying Dr. Zubrin's book and articles, I believe that we are at a pivotal point regarding our future. We are on the verge of an amazing era if the right choice is made. `(See the link to Dr. Zubrin's The Significance of Mars included at the end of this letter. I urge you to read it and decide for yourself what need there is for a project such as this.)`

I was so excited after reading The Case for Mars that I worked constantly for several weeks, talking, e-mailing, reading, researching, and creating so that I could add a series to my gallery that I hoped would, in some way, pass the excitement along.

The MarsDirect series went on-line a few weeks ago. But this initial result of my captivation, although personally satisfying, seems lacking, something isn't quite right. I have art, I have data, and the desire is there. Other sites - JPL and The Center for Mars Exploration among them - address the technical aspects of the exploration and settlement of Mars and some include well-done Mars artwork, also. More is needed.

More energy. Energy which tantalizes us with the possibilities.

More soul. Soul that can reach into our very depths and capture our imaginations.

More diversity. Infinitely diverse creations that can speak to a wide range of people in our constantly expanding sphere of global contact.

MORE of YOU.

You that dream and express them with your fertile imaginations-images that speak to our souls, words that see and energize, music that touches regardless of our diversities. Vivid visions which spark and catch fire.

We need to play it, draw it in and touch it, like the feeling we have the first time we connect with something or someone, we need to embrace it. If we do this there will be no stopping us in our reach for the stars.

A more cohesive voice is called for. A grass-roots type of thing from the 'arts' perspective, the dreams perspective, the 'what if' perspective. A voice that is constantly evolving, growing in intensity, and pushing gently, yet boldly, into the consciousness of the world.

I think what would be most appropriate and effective is to involve as much of Earth's creative community as possible, to contribute to this on-line voice.

I believe the need is for the addition of a collaborative West to Mars section to a site - mine or another or maybe several - consisting of a broad spectrum - art, essays, music, poetry, photography, and articles from you, the creative arts community - inspirationally haunting and emotionally vibrant pages that will move those who view them to say, Yes, we can do this, we must do this!

Admittedly, a tall order! This collaborative project would be a catalyst. One where the 'arts' come together to inspire and move the world - grandiose thinking - but then, I believe, that is what it will take to surmount the obstacles inherent in any major effort, explorative or otherwise.

I envision a voice that will stimulate in geometric progression. I see a point where the excitement reaches global proportions. A consensus the powers that be cannot help but acknowledge - the necessity of exploring and settling this new frontier. A, truly, multifaceted collaborative ether-wide effort.

It has been a long time since we have had, as a nation - as a world - an opportunity to unite in cheering and supporting the implementation of such a worthwhile and positive idea as this - one with such broad implications.

I believe it is time to seed the ether and not only revitalize the unity and drive we of Earth are capable of but to insure the future of humanity.

Why should the creative arts community be involved?

Roger Malina's eloquent insight answers:

`"One of the defining achievements of the twentieth century was the birth of the space age. For the first time in history, humans escaped the gravity of the earth, walked on other celestial planets and established the first outposts in space.`

`The space age was possible because for centuries the cultural imagination was fed by artists, writers and musicians who dreamed of human activities in space. Now, with the end of the Cold War, the role of artists and writers is again crucial in defining our future vision of space - and will once again be instrumental in incorporating the facts and discoveries of the space age into the cultural imagination.`

`Will the Space Age now come to an end and return to the province of mythology ? Or has the space age led to an irreversible cultural change so that space exploration will continue to be part of our civilization's activities?"`

`(Roger Malina is an astronomer, Director of the Laboratoire d'Astronomie Spatiale in Marseille, France, and Director of the Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics (CEA) in Berkeley, California. He is the co-chairman of the Committee on Space Activities and Society of the International Academy of Astronautics.)`

What is required of you?

Just these three things:

1. Only that you continue doing what you already love doing - your drawing, your photography, your painting, your graphics design, your animations, your theatre, your novels, your films, your poetry, your sculpture, your essays, your music, and, as you see the need, direct some of your creativity toward this project.

2. Just as important are your thoughts on this project. They would be most invaluable and appreciated.

3. Additionally, any suggestions as to others that might be receptive to this project would be a very good next step.

Sincerely,

Ken Fair

`MarsWest Collaborative Project Organization`

`URL: http://www.marswest.org/`

`E-Mail: kenfair@marswest.org`

`Voice:816.756.2373`

`Fax:816.756.2373`

`Note:`

`Why must we go to Mars?`

`Dr. Zubrin's compelling thoughts penned in`

`"The Significance of Mars" answers that question.`

`http://spot.colorado.edu/~marscase/cfm/articles/frontier.html`

`Additional Note: More information about Dr. Zubrin's ideas can be found at:`

`Headquarters for the Mars Direct Manned Mars Mission.`

`http://www.magick.net/mars/`

`I believe that it is critical that all lines`
`of communication be explored regarding this project.`

`Please copy or print this letter and`
`distribute it whenever and wherever possible.`

West to Mars,
the Next Step to the Stars

A Call for a Collaborative Project
to the Creative Arts Community
Many of us have been captivated by the exploration of space. Our excitement about what has been learned and our amazement at what we have seen, since the inception of humanity's step out into the near cosmos, has been a very gratifying experience. Over the centuries, Mars has held a particular fascination for many. In the most recent decades we have been entranced by the images transmitted back to us from this world. The astoundingly diverse terrain - fog filled valleys, cloud shadowed plains, wind sculpted dunes and ice encased plateaus - has called to us. A call that is, now, continuing to be answered by several projects. As I write this Surveyor and Pathfinder are on course. When they arrive to either orbit or land on Mars, one more step in Mars exploration will be realized. But... We now need to, in some form, stimulate support for an even more aggressive exploration agenda. A plan that must include the following: `With current technology and in an economically feasible manner, manned exploration of Mars within the next 10 years is quite possible according to Dr. Robert Zubrin in his book The Case for Mars.` I find this possibility very exciting. I can't wait to see actual hand held video and stills of the locations - we haven't seen yet - which our artwork is attempting to depict and our words are endeavoring to express! Will we find an uncanny precognitive depiction or will it just look similar or will they be even more alien than we envisioned? Astonishment and surprising revelations will be the order of the day I would imagine. But, more importantly, after studying Dr. Zubrin's book and articles, I believe that we are at a pivotal point regarding our future. We are on the verge of an amazing era if the right choice is made. `(See the link to Dr. Zubrin's The Significance of Mars included at the end of this letter. I urge you to read it and decide for yourself what need there is for a project such as this.)` I was so excited after reading The Case for Mars that I worked constantly for several weeks, talking, e-mailing, reading, researching, and creating so that I could add a series to my gallery that I hoped would, in some way, pass the excitement along. The MarsDirect series went on-line a few weeks ago. But this initial result of my captivation, although personally satisfying, seems lacking, something isn't quite right. I have art, I have data, and the desire is there. Other sites - JPL and The Center for Mars Exploration among them - address the technical aspects of the exploration and settlement of Mars and some include well-done Mars artwork, also. More is needed. More energy. Energy which tantalizes us with the possibilities. More soul. Soul that can reach into our very depths and capture our imaginations. More diversity. Infinitely diverse creations that can speak to a wide range of people in our constantly expanding sphere of global contact. MORE of YOU. You that dream and express them with your fertile imaginations-images that speak to our souls, words that see and energize, music that touches regardless of our diversities. Vivid visions which spark and catch fire. We need to play it, draw it in and touch it, like the feeling we have the first time we connect with something or someone, we need to embrace it. If we do this there will be no stopping us in our reach for the stars. A more cohesive voice is called for. A grass-roots type of thing from the 'arts' perspective, the dreams perspective, the 'what if' perspective. A voice that is constantly evolving, growing in intensity, and pushing gently, yet boldly, into the consciousness of the world. I think what would be most appropriate and effective is to involve as much of Earth's creative community as possible, to contribute to this on-line voice. I believe the need is for the addition of a collaborative West to Mars section to a site - mine or another or maybe several - consisting of a broad spectrum - art, essays, music, poetry, photography, and articles from you, the creative arts community - inspirationally haunting and emotionally vibrant pages that will move those who view them to say, Yes, we can do this, we must do this! Admittedly, a tall order! This collaborative project would be a catalyst. One where the 'arts' come together to inspire and move the world - grandiose thinking - but then, I believe, that is what it will take to surmount the obstacles inherent in any major effort, explorative or otherwise. I envision a voice that will stimulate in geometric progression. I see a point where the excitement reaches global proportions. A consensus the powers that be cannot help but acknowledge - the necessity of exploring and settling this new frontier. A, truly, multifaceted collaborative ether-wide effort. It has been a long time since we have had, as a nation - as a world - an opportunity to unite in cheering and supporting the implementation of such a worthwhile and positive idea as this - one with such broad implications. I believe it is time to seed the ether and not only revitalize the unity and drive we of Earth are capable of but to insure the future of humanity. Why should the creative arts community be involved? Roger Malina's eloquent insight answers: `"One of the defining achievements of the twentieth century was the birth of the space age. For the first time in history, humans escaped the gravity of the earth, walked on other celestial planets and established the first outposts in space.` `The space age was possible because for centuries the cultural imagination was fed by artists, writers and musicians who dreamed of human activities in space. Now, with the end of the Cold War, the role of artists and writers is again crucial in defining our future vision of space - and will once again be instrumental in incorporating the facts and discoveries of the space age into the cultural imagination.` `Will the Space Age now come to an end and return to the province of mythology ? Or has the space age led to an irreversible cultural change so that space exploration will continue to be part of our civilization's activities?"` `(Roger Malina is an astronomer, Director of the Laboratoire d'Astronomie Spatiale in Marseille, France, and Director of the Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics (CEA) in Berkeley, California. He is the co-chairman of the Committee on Space Activities and Society of the International Academy of Astronautics.)` What is required of you? Just these three things: 1. Only that you continue doing what you already love doing - your drawing, your photography, your painting, your graphics design, your animations, your theatre, your novels, your films, your poetry, your sculpture, your essays, your music, and, as you see the need, direct some of your creativity toward this project. 2. Just as important are your thoughts on this project. They would be most invaluable and appreciated. 3. Additionally, any suggestions as to others that might be receptive to this project would be a very good next step. Sincerely, Ken Fair *`MarsWest Collaborative Project Organization`* `URL: http://www.marswest.org/` `E-Mail: kenfair@marswest.org` `Voice:816.756.2373` `Fax:816.756.2373` `Note:` `Why must we go to Mars?` `Dr. Zubrin's compelling thoughts penned in` `"The Significance of Mars" answers that question.` `http://spot.colorado.edu/~marscase/cfm/articles/frontier.html` `Additional Note: More information about Dr. Zubrin's ideas can be found at:` `Headquarters for the Mars Direct Manned Mars Mission.` `http://www.magick.net/mars/` `I believe that it is critical that all lines` `of communication be explored regarding this project.` `Please copy or print this letter and` `distribute it whenever and wherever possible.`

`Copy/Save this graphic and place it on your home page to show your support. Link it to this page for others to read. Thanks. Or Email me and I will send it to you along with a copy of the letter.`

West to Mars welcomes your participation.

Contact Ken Fair for additional information: kenfair@marswest.org

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Now Available: West to Mars - the Poster

"The graphic... is one of the nicest I have yet to see on any space-related website. It says it all."

`Keith Cowing-Reston Communications`

West to Mars,the Next Step to the Stars

A Call for a Collaborative Projectto the Creative Arts Community

Copy/Save this graphic and place it on your home page to show your support. Link it to this page for others to read. Thanks. Or Email me and I will send it to you along with a copy of the letter.

front page contributors West to Mars directory

Now Available: West to Mars - the Poster "The graphic... is one of the nicest I have yet to see on any space-related website. It says it all." Keith Cowing-Reston Communications

West to Mars,
the Next Step to the Stars

A Call for a Collaborative Project
to the Creative Arts Community

`Copy/Save this graphic and place it on your home page to show your support. Link it to this page for others to read. Thanks. Or Email me and I will send it to you along with a copy of the letter.`

front page

contributors

West to Mars directory

Now Available: West to Mars - the Poster

"The graphic... is one of the nicest I have yet to see on any space-related website. It says it all."

`Keith Cowing-Reston Communications`