[Nicole_N]

1. Spontaneous Library Party
public intervention (posted by Schalker)
This intervention would fit under the umbrella of performance art combined with elements of social activism, as its purpose was to raise awareness about the danger of extinction that the city public library is facing.
The location of course is public, and the action is directly linked to the space as it was designed based on the situation that the public library is facing. It could not take place somewhere else.
Then the participation of the audience who are basicaly passers-by is key to the execution of the action. The artist and her team need to convince them on the spot to donate their time and be part of the surprise party, and from the video it looks like they did a fantastic job.
I like this type of public intervention, as it succeeds to be humorous and at the same time deliver a message about a social matter related to civic life. It creates a very positive memory to the participants who are likely to then consider spending more time in the public library, as well as share this random experience with their peers.

[Nicole_N]

The first thing that pops in my mind as an example of a public space is a train station, I guess due to it being a space open to all, passers by, travellers, etc. At the same time it serves a purpose, it is a destination, or a the starting point of a journey. It is where the trains go to sleep, and many homeless people find shelter.
The second one, is the space of a park, especially one found in an urban environment. It has all the same characteristics as the train station, but it is not related to travelling. The park in the city is a space where people living in cities can still enjoy some outdoor time, instead of constantly being surrounded by four walls. It is a space where they can exercise, enjoy some relaxing time, etc. The park additionally has a strong characteristic of the community I believe, because usually people relate to the park located in their neighbourhood and they develop a sense of ownership, they feel that this is THEIR park. As if it is an extension of their homes, the garden that they do not have, and they share with their neighbours.

[Author]

Posts