Our purpose is to... At MARS 222, we are dedicated to fostering Living Economies by focusing on supporting local talent and goods through fashion, music, and art. Based in Hartford, Connecticut, our mission is to empower underrepresented artists and creators, providing them with a platform to showcase their work while promoting the importance of buying local. We believe that building a strong, sustainable economy starts with supporting local goods and services, which drives community growth and resilience.Through our participation in the RESET CO Retail Incubator Program, we developed the concept for MARS: Out of this World, a community event series that highlights local artists, creatives, and makers. This initiative will serve as a space where local goods are not only showcased but celebrated, encouraging the community to engage in buying local and supporting sustainable, homegrown talent. The RESET CO program has been pivotal in helping us shape this vision to meet the needs of Hartford’s creative community.We seek funding to launch MARS: Out of this World and further promote local goods and sustainable practices. The financial support will enable us to organize these events, offer resources for local artists, and build a stronger local economy. Our goal is to inspire conscious consumer behavior, foster a deeper appreciation for local talent, and drive Hartford’s creative economy towards sustainability and inclusivity.