final project

1. What is the project about?
We are planning on creating a festival at Onondaga Lake which would unite recreation and history into one event. Right now, there are hardly any recreational opportunities because of the pollution in and around the lake. At the same time, those who use the lake are normally unaware of the historical significance that the lake has so by marrying the two together, we want to produce a fun and educational experience.
2. Describe what FORM the project will take.
The project will be a festival, sometime in September. If the festival is successful, it could become an annual event.
3. Why do you want to work in the location you have chosen?
Onondaga Lake is an empty space with more potential to create something extravagant. The idea of a festival would only work with adequate space, so it would not be possible to do in Armory Square.
4. What is the history of the site?
Onondaga Lake was the spot where the Iroquois Confederacy came together and established the individual tribes. It is a huge part of the history of this area. Recreationally, the history is rather negative as a list of dates when recreational opportunities were banned from the area (specifically fishing and swimming in the lake)
5. Why is this site particularly appropriate for the project?
The project is focused around the history of the area. There would be no other possible place that would have enough space and have the direct connection to the premise of the project. This project was created around the site and so no other place would be appropriate.
6. Is this project an integration or an intervention, and why?
The project is an integration of the history into a recreational event. By putting the two together, it brings awareness to the public while providing a fun, educational party.
7. Will you get permission to work in the site?
Yes, and we would also get the permission from the individual tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy to participate in the festival.
8. How does the piece disrupt OR fit in with the surroundings?
This piece would probably disrupt the area because there aren’t many festivals near Onondaga Lake but it would only be for a day so the lake can restore to its natural order of things afterwards.
9. Name at least one artist project that we have looked at this semester that inspired your project and explain why your project is related.
We looked at Fusco’s and Guillermo’s the Couple in the Cage as inspiration for putting on display culture, however obviously the Native Americans would not be in cages and the festival would consist of their culture assimilating into our culture.
10. What are the goals & objectives of the project?
We want to bring awareness about the history to the populace while providing a fun and educational festival and bringing back recreation to Onondaga Lake.
11. How will you measure success for your project?
We would measure success based on the participation of the tribes and the attendance at the festival.
12. Profile the target audience. Who are they? What do they care about? What are their expected reactions?
We are going after local residents who are interested in their community and probably a younger demographic because little kids would love the activities. They should have fun at the festival and walk away with a better grasp on the history of the area and the culture of the Native Americans.
13. How do you want your audience to interact with your project?
It’s a festival. I would expect the audience to participate with the exhibits through games, eating native food, listening to native music and watching traditional dances and interactions.