Frequently Asked Questions
Project FAQ
When can I get a key to the project?
You can purchase a key right here, right now!
Okay, but what does it look like?
It looks a little different every year — but in past years, some of it has looked like this:
Your key unlocks the calendar, which you access through this site. A new piece of art will appear each day through the 24th. Get a key at any point to get access to that day and all the previous days’ work.
Is all the art brand-new?
This year's calendar compiles some of our favorite pieces from 2019–2024. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or are just joining us, you’ll find gems you’ve never seen, or simply forgot about.
But this is no re-run: for the first time ever, we’re printing a physical collection of this year’s project. This handmade, limited-edition book collects all 24 pieces, with special print-exclusive surprises. 100% of the proceeds past shipping benefits OCAD—and you’ll get a digital key for free with your purchase.
How do keys work?
Keys purchased before the 1st will be sent to you via email on December 1st. Keys purchased on or after December 1st will be emailed to you immediately. If you don’t see a key email when you expect to, please check your spam folder.
Your key unlocks the project, which you access through this site. Purchase a key at any point to get access to that day and all the previous days of art.
Can I enjoy this with my kids?
Most of the artwork is appropriate for all ages, if not necessarily angled towards them. This year, we have no content that would earn higher than a PG rating. But we do still have the occasional piece that wrestles with difficult themes, and we recommend grown-ups review all the work before sharing it with their little ones.
Will the project work on my phone/tablet/weird old browser?
The Advent Project works for sure on the most recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, as well as current Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android. It probably works other places too! But we can’t guarantee that—we’re not in charge of the internet.
Is the project centered on Christian themes?
It is not, no. We borrowed the Advent in our name with gratitude from the religious tradition. But The Advent Project itself isn’t associated with any one religion or holiday practice. Our artists come from a variety of backgrounds, and create art that reflects that.
What if I want to help in some other way?
You can help by promoting The Advent Project to your friends and acquaintances! But we’d also be delighted to hear from you if you have other ideas or support you want to offer, or if you are a fancy journalist or a friendly podcaster. Shoot us an email or find us on Instagram.
Purchase FAQ
How much does it cost?
For just $5, you get a key to access 24 days of artwork.
If you are moved by the spirit of whatever holiday you may or may not be celebrating, please consider donating more! It all goes to Organized Communities Against Deportations. (Any donations not associated with a key purchase are tax deductible.)
How does payment work?
All payments are processed through Stripe. You can check out using a credit card, or Apple Pay if you have an iPhone or a Mac. After choosing how many keys you’d like and any additional donation you want to make, you’ll be redirected to Stripe to securely complete your transaction.
What if I have concerns about the cost?
If you (or someone you know) would like to experience the project but it would make your month a little bit harder, please email us at info@adventproject.org so we can help. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to enjoy the work is able to do so.
Where does my money go?
100% of the proceeds from this year’s calendar go to Organized Communities Against Deportations in support of their work against deportations and the criminalization of immigrants and people of color. All artists and organizers are donating their time to this cause.
Is this tax deductible?
In some cases! Though all the money goes to the same place, key purchases are not tax deductible but any additional donation you make during checkout is tax deductible. Your purchase receipt will note what portion (if any) of your contribution should be tax deductible, and you can request a formal tax-deductible receipt from us by emailing info@adventproject.org after your purchase.
Can I gift a key to someone else?
Sure! We may be biased, but we think this makes a great gift. (And a great tradition to share and discuss with friends and family!) You can get additional keys to the project here. Each gift recipient will receive their key automatically via email on December 1st (or as soon as you purchase it, if it's after the 1st).
General FAQ
Where did The Advent Project come from?
We created it in 2019 because we like a lot of different things and a lot of different artists and we wanted something nice to open together in December, a time that can be magical for some of us and difficult for others. And we found that many artists were like us, that they wanted to donate their poems and films and stop-motion and puzzles and songs and jokes to raise money for a good cause and help all of us feel a little less alone. So, here we are.