This Valentine’s Day, Cafe Berlin is hosting ‘Blind Date: Collaboration Edition.’ This new event, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, will have participants randomly paired together to collaborate using each other’s different artistic talents to create a final piece. The art is not specifically defined — a painter could be matched with a musician and a poet matched with a video artist.

“We didn’t have anything going on for Valentine’s Day, and we didn’t have any prospects for shows,” said Emily Downing, the booking agent for Cafe Berlin. “So I kind of kind of just wanted to provide an option of something unique and different for Valentine’s Day, and maybe an option for people who don’t have a partner. You can come to Cafe [Berlin] and meet people and have a fun time creating something.”

Downing came up with the idea for this event alongside Emily Holtzman and Jon Hadusek, also booking agents for Cafe Berlin.

Once names are drawn to determine the pairs, participants will have three hours to collaborate on a project, according to the event’s Facebook page.

Collaborators can work on their projects at any location they wish, as long as they are back at Cafe Berlin by 9 p.m. A variety show will commence at 9:30 p.m., when participants will present their creations. The event is akin to Lifetime’s _Project Runway_, where participants have a set time to complete a garment to be runway-ready. Unlike _Project Runway_, participants’ creations do not have to follow a theme. Collaborators can make whatever their hearts desire.

Cafe Berlin will supply “[a] home drum kit, amps, microphones, a projector, and minimal art supplies for those looking to stay on location to manufacture their creation,” according to the event’s Facebook page.

There will be small plates, desserts and drink specials for sale, too.

The event’s purpose: “To connect people,” Downing said.

“[We want to] bring the community together, maybe people who would never spend time together,” Downing said.

‘Blind Date: Collaboration Edition’ is a different, fun and creative way to fill up some potential lonely hours on Valentine’s Day. Who knows, you might just meet your new best friend, or maybe even a potential significant other.

“Maybe it will inspire people to work together in the future, to maybe uncover people’s hidden talents,” Downing said. “And just also to have a fun, unique Valentine’s day.”

You do not have to be a professional artist to participate — all are welcome.

_Edited by Katherine White | kwhite@themaneater.com_