A remnant of Music is Art and PARK(ing) Day Buffalo is still floating around Grant Street days after the events ended. It’s a giant DIY billboard project that was implemented by Rachael Lynn, a boomerang Buffalonian who decided that she wanted to make a splash upon her return. Following is a short interview with Rachael about her interactive piece that continues to draw people in, to express their feeling and emotions, as they relate to the world around them.
How did The World We Want project come together?
The World We Want is a global art movement that invites people to create the world they want to live in; encouraging you to reflect on your vision for yourself and the world. With two prompts on a chalkboard wall, anyone can come by and share. The result is a reflection of our collective visions and ownership in bringing them to life anonymously.
Where was the idea born?
The first wall was created by artist Amber Rae in September 2014 at the Dumbo Arts Festival in Brooklyn, NY.
Was this an international movement?
More than 160 Makers from 25 countries kicked off the movement by creating large chalkboard installations and other platforms throughout the month to spark conversations in communities, and help people shape the world around them.
What was the inspiration for you to include Buffalo in this international project?
When I realized that The World We Want Month coincided with the month I was moving back home, to a city that has taken huge leaps since I left just two years ago – I knew I had to make it happen. Buffalo was a part of this movement.
How did you pull it off?
With the help of community members and local partners, lead makers welcomed everyone in the community to visit the wall and join the conversation by answering the two prompts written on the wall:
“I want to live in a world where…” and “To create this world, I will…”
Thanks to:
Clarence troop 30490 (girl scout troop that helped with building and bringing people to the wall)
The Pop In (supplies the chalk)
Sweet_ness 7 Café (where to ask for the chalk)
Music is Art festival
BDR Construction (for the donation of materials and time to build and tear down the wall)
What will happen to the wall in the future?
Currently there’s no real plan for the wall after Grant Street other than storing until next year to hopefully make it a bigger and better installation. I would love to gather interest for any indoor exhibit!