history

ARTEFFECT was created in 2016 by Lowell MIlken to expand the mission of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) through the visual arts. Unsung Heroes from prior generations demonstrate the power of one person to profoundly better the lives of others and positively impact the course of history. Honoring the qualities that define such exceptional individuals—virtues such as courage, compassion, sacrifice and conviction—has shaped the offerings of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) including fellowships, student competitions, and exhibitions since Lowell established LMC in 2007.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is an incubator for new knowledge established by Lowell Milken in 2007. LMC offers student competitions, fellowships, professional development, exhibitions, educational resources, and publications. Through its offerings, LMC supports educators and students in the K-12 sector, across subjects, to develop Unsung Hero projects that bring untold and inspiring stories to light.

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Unsung Heroes from prior generations demonstrate the power of one person to profoundly better the lives of others and positively impact the course of history. Honoring the heroic traits and actions that define such exceptional individuals is at the core of LMC’s activities. Through project-based learning that honors Unsung Heroes as role models, young people recognize their power to effect positive change.

Since 2007, the stories of Unsung Heroes and their contributions to society have been brought to light through the LMC Discovery Award, with its unique approach to project-based learning that emphasizes primary research and storytelling. LMC's annual Discovery Award offers financial prizes to students in grades 4-12 worldwide who produce compelling Unsung Hero Projects. Entries can take take the form of a documentary film, performance, or website, and requires a process paper with documented primary and secondary sources.

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Through ARTEFFECT and the LMC Discovery Award, students develop original projects in the visual and performing arts and digital multimedia that champion these individuals as role models, while building their skills in research, critical inquiry, and creativity.

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Now more than 15 years since its inception, educators and students worldwide participate in LMC’s project-based learning activities―unearthing the stories of Unsung Heroes and developing compelling projects as points of inspiration.