It's difficult to even imagine how large this participatory event will be. It's a New York City public art project that allows every New Yorker and visitor to open spaces in all five boroughs. To get a key you must bring some with you a collegue, friend, family member and bestow them with the key for a deed or special trait. Presented by Creative Time in cooperation with the City of New York. There are many ways to be part of this art piece. All the details are at the Creative Time site.
For centuries, the key to the city has been used to honor a city’s heroes and visiting dignitaries. Now, artist Paul Ramírez Jonas has created a Key to the City that is not only a symbolic award, but also a functional key—opening spaces across all five boroughs of New York City. This Key to the City is intended for everyday citizens, who will award one another the key for reasons large and small. Once in hand, the key launches a citywide exploration of back doors, front gates, community gardens, graveyards, and museums that suggests that the city is a series of spaces that are either locked or unlocked.
Curated by Nato Thompson, with curatorial assistant Shane Brennan. Produced by Gavin Kroeber with production assistant Elissa Goldstone.
Keep up to date with the project. Participate. Get a key. Volunteer. Contribute. Here's what's been happening so far >
The Artist
Paul Ramírez Jonas currently lives, works, and teaches in New York City. In his work he challenges the boundaries between artwork and spectator; engaging them to participate using objects.
About the Project from the website
For centuries, the key to the city has been used to honor a city’s heroes and visiting dignitaries. Now, artist Paul Ramírez Jonas has created a Key to the City that is not only a symbolic award, but also a functional key—opening spaces across all five boroughs of New York City. This Key to the City is intended for everyday citizens, who will award one another the key for reasons large and small. Once in hand, the key launches a citywide exploration of back doors, front gates, community gardens, graveyards, and museums that suggests that the city is a series of spaces that are either locked or unlocked.
Curated by Nato Thompson, with curatorial assistant Shane Brennan. Produced by Gavin Kroeber with production assistant Elissa Goldstone.
LOCATION AND HOURS
Key to the City by Paul Ramírez Jonas
A FREE public art project presented by Creative Time in cooperation with the City of New York.
June 3 to 27, 2010
Get your Key in Times Square
Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets
Open M–F 2p–8p; Sa–Su 12p–8p
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THE PROJECT, THE LINE TO RECEIVE KEYS WILL CLOSE AT 6p DAILY
OPENING RECEPTION JUNE 3, 2010
6p to 8p