ODE TO JOY
Electronica
About the Event
The
OTJE flash mob cycle wants to connect and give joy in times of isolation,
connect the digital and emotional spheres, and enhance social connection
through the promotion of new, exciting ideas.
The
first flash mob will take place in Tallinn on May 9th, Europe Day
2021 (if we can't make that, the project will end on Europe day 2022, in a country of our choice).
We
aim to further organize a sequence of 27 interactive, digitally broadcast flash
mobs across Europe. One wearable-triggered, digital flash mob per EU member
capital (+Bern), over a period of 7 months (1 city every 7 days), at sunset. By
the end of the project, we will have literally connected all of Europe in sound
and colour.
How does it work
Our
homepage features clickable pictures of all EU member state flags (+CH).
Website visitors will be asked to click on their respective country flag. The
signal then travels from the website to the wearable dress, and electronically activates
the flags on the dress.
From
a certain number of clicks on the flag starts to flash, eventually all flags will
light up and the wearable dress (“Europe Dress”) will play the “Ode to Joy”.
The
artist starts to sing along, one member of the crowd/musician/people in a light
costume joins in, then the next one, until everyone (live or via live stream) is
joined in song and colourful light.
The
process repeats in a new town every 7 days, as Anima travels from Tallinn to
each EU capital on the list.
Live AND digital
Each
event is broadcast via Bluejeans webinar software (secure, and state of the
art), possibly also via youtube and facebook live.
Target Groups
-
Every EU (and Swiss) citizen who wants to feel more connected in times of
isolation, inclusive children!
-
Geeks and tech-curious people interested in novel, artistic formats, who want
to bring and “flash” their own LED gear
-
Artists, e.g. singers, musicians, dancers, interactive artists
-
LGBTIQ+ people and Allies
-
People who couldn’t physically participate in a live flash mob (e.g. physically
disabled people)
-
Local Arts organisations who would like to gain more publicity
Why do we do it
As
artists, hackers and “queer” people we are curious about diversity in all its
forms, new ideas and digital culture.
We
hereby want to introduce an interactive, inclusive dimension to the concept of
community flash mobs. To make reconnecting with each other a joyful,
collaborative experience- across borders and abilities. Digital is seen as a
chance to break down barriers, be they physical, national or emotional.
Engaging
with local citizens and organizations on the move, our signal (metaphorically)
spreads across the wire from one body to another, one voice to the next, until “all
of Europe” has been infiltrated by communal, joyful song.
We
want to create a tangible consciousness in people, that digital art can erase
distance, and that borders do not necessarily have to signify a loss of
contact with each other- even in times of isolation.
Event Visualization Flow Chart
(follows)
Dress Visualization (w/o headdress & rainbow shoes)
About the Dress
The dress is (lightly) inspired by the Native American “Jingle dress” (worn in dance to battle epidemia) and “ribbon dress” customs. It sports the flags of all current EU member countries (plus CH)- these can be electronically triggered to shine and make sound.
The dress is printed with the EU human rights Charta, the dress cut is a Greek goddess dress, to reference the mythological “Europa”. It also features the colors of the LGBTIQ+ spectrum, including brown and black (BIPOC colours), and has the disability pride flag on the shoulder flaps (detail).
The
material is organic cotton jersey and organic popeline in white. It is thus an
inclusive dress for all peoples, that fuses old tradition and modern culture.
Our Team
·
Huyen B. (Vietnam)
Event Management
Responsible
for all event-related activities, managing/overseeing volunteers, funding and
travel schedules.
Experienced
event manager and e-commerce enthusiast.
·
Saba G. (Pakistan)
Executive Assistance/
Social Media Management
·
Alexandra Nima (Estonia)
CEO, Artistic Performance
Responsible for broad event implementation and artistic performance.
Broad experience in various fields (e-commerce marketing,
project management, performance art and PR).
·
Arsenijs P. (Latvia)
Electronics and IT Consultant
In charge of the technical planning and execution for the interactive website and wearable dress.
·
Jenine S. (Philippines)
(Interactive) Web Design
Broad
experience in graphic design, web design, and IT administration.
· Lara P. (Slovenia)
Video Design
Responsible for video design, and artistic co-development.
·
Leonardo V. (Italy)
Social Media Management
Responsible
for social media channels and communication.
E-commerce
entrepreneur and NGO enthusiast.
· Zeynep D. (Turkey)
Graphic Design
Responsible for graphic design, and artistic co-development.
