Ever since the Chicago cows appeared in 1999, city marketers and arts folks have been trying to find attention-getting gimmicks
to boost awareness of their towns’ coolness. Many of these—including our very own artist-decorated race cars—have been reactive
rather than innovative.
In Birmingham, England, though, something interesting is happening on the streets right now—spontaneous music. Seemingly out of nowhere, 15 pianos have appeared and are being played by anyone who feels like taking a seat on their benches.
The project—according to a story at guardian.com—is the brainchild of Luke Jerram, an artist previously responsible for putting an orchestra in hot air balloons for a morning serenade.
To my ears, the “Play Me, I’m Your’s” project (which ends on Easter) is a truly great idea—one that should open our minds to our own, unique possibilities here in Indy.
Your thoughts?
In Birmingham, England, though, something interesting is happening on the streets right now—spontaneous music. Seemingly out of nowhere, 15 pianos have appeared and are being played by anyone who feels like taking a seat on their benches.
The project—according to a story at guardian.com—is the brainchild of Luke Jerram, an artist previously responsible for putting an orchestra in hot air balloons for a morning serenade.
To my ears, the “Play Me, I’m Your’s” project (which ends on Easter) is a truly great idea—one that should open our minds to our own, unique possibilities here in Indy.
Your thoughts?
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I actually contracted to deliver blank white cows to some of the artists. Imagine the looks I got driving around lost in the suburbs with a big white fiberglass cow in the back of my S10.
Any effort, even if it is reactive, is better than nothing.
But I like the idea.
As for boosting awareness of our town's coolness...hmm. I think coolness comes from something other than decorations and props.
But (laughing) I am probably the least cool individual I know, so I am probably not the person to ask about coolness communication at the community level.
I would have to percolate on this some more.
Hope Baugh
www.IndyTheatreHabit.com
Also, Chicago did not invent the cows exhibit. They copied it from a European city, somewhere in Switzerland, I believe, but won't swear to it. The fact that everyone believes this was a Chicago thing is yet another example of what I'm talking about.
You are correct. The cows thing was done in Zurich a year earlier.
I don't think we would have seen as many American variations if it wasn't for the Chicago exhibition.
--Lou