Arts and Culture United States Project #10282

Engaging Kids & Adults in Art in Public Places

by Big Car

Engaging Kids & Adults in Art in Public Places

Project Report | Sep 26, 2012
A Great Summer of Art and Fun

By Jim Walker | Executive Director

creating artwork at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Hello! We just completed an amazing summer of bringing art to people and people to art in fun and playful ways around Indianapolis.

We put on a wide range of surprising activities out in public spaces and during events. We rode the Yes Bike to Georgia Street in Downtown Indianapolis, setting up a folding table on the night of the Rush concert and asking passers by to make artwork related to the band. We asked people to write or draw their food memories at a local food event, Dig-IN. We hosted everything from all-day skateboarding events and to food workshops at our Service Center location. We teamed up with the White River Festival to get kids and adults making clay pots and writing about waterways at museums and parks. We brought spontaneous music and games to the Downtown canal in partnership with the Indiana State Museum and the White River Festival. And we created an interactive cycling experience, Crossrides, that allowed people to learn about the history and architecture of their city while touring in two wheels.

Our Play stencil/stamp logo began popping up around town as we encouraged hundreds of people to get creative, to have fun, to take chances, and to enjoy their public places and spaces.

None of this could have happened without your support and without so many wonderful partners! We're excited to continue with a play and creativity filled fall and winter.

We invite you to join us for a big fall celebration at Service Center for Culture and Community on Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It's free and designed for kids, adults, and families. The fun includes a mini petting zoo, bounce house, games, and art making. We hope to see you there.

Thanks!
Jim

gathering Food Stories at Dig-IN

memory plate created at Dig-IN

Garden Party food event at Service Center

spontaneous music on the canal walk

CrossRides bike and history event

Links:

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Jun 26, 2012
YES! We're just about ready to roll

By Jim Walker | executive director

play logo

Hello! We're excited about the progress we're making and are about to hit the streets with our project. We appreciate you and Indianapolis saying yes to fun, games, play and creatvity in our city.

So far this spring, we've been in planning, prepping and organization mode. We've enjoyed several meetings and great conversations resulting in a high level of interest. Several awesome people have joined up as artists, musicians and teachers with the project. We're still seeking volunteers for all of the activities. So let us know if you'd like to help in whatever way. The easiest method for letting me know is to email at jim@bigcar.org.

We have secured exciting partnerships with the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum to do our programming at their locations the White River State Park this summer (in collaboration with their activities) and we are finalizing plans for Play Day as part of the White River Festival on September 1 — as well as working out detaisl for our Crossrides cycling and history event coming on September 15.

So far, we have purchased the hauling bike and table for the portable creativity stand, receiving a discount on the bike (sold to us at cost!) from the local bike shop, Bicycle Garage Indy. We picked it up recently a the City Market's new bike hub. It's going to make quite an impression. Here's a link to the type of bike we'll use to haul our creativity supplies and set up shop in public spaces.

We have also designed a stencil/stamp logo to indicate where our programming is happening at the pop-up stations. That's at the top of this note. Look for it soon around town!

Next steps: We'll start our public programs on the streets on June 30 and will then have regular happenings throughout the summer and fall. Some of it will be spontaneous and not scheduled, some new things will be announced soon that will happen on Georgia Street and other places on the Cultural Trail. But, for now, here's what's scheduled:

Join us for improvised music and play at White River State Park unless otherwise indicated. We’ll also do at least five more spontaneous happenings this summer on opposite weeks. Look for us at Garfield Park, on The Cultural Trail, at City Market, etc.

June 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum lawn

July 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Military Park for Red Door Bash

July 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum lawn and the Eiteljorg

Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Eiteljorg

Sept. 1, all day PLAY DAY at White River State Park

We so much appreciate your support and welcome your ideas for activities. This is all about saying YES to making our city a better place. So we'd love ot have you involved if you want to come out and play and create with us!

Thanks!
Jim

Links:

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