The Line

[From Caron Atlas]: This is a great project coming up soon in NYC on Jan 17 - it was presented on the OWS call we hosted (at Arts and Democracy).  They are looking for collaborating organizations, organizers and participants!  It isn't a big time commitment but will help contribute to a powerful collaboration and a striking visual representation of employment. 

[From Kristin]: Thanks so much for being willing to help spread the word about the Line. We are making some progress getting groups on board, but haven't reached 5000 yet - Here are the details:

The Line
A number of artists, activists and unions are planning The Line for January 17, 2012 at 8:14am. The Line will be the world's longest unemployment line stretching over three miles along Broadway, from the bull at Wall Street to Times Square. It will include 5000+ people holding pink slips over their heads for 14 minutes—one minute for each of the million currently unemployed in the USA. More about what we are doing can be found at : http://theline2012.wordpress.com/

History
This is a reanimation of a project that was originally created in 2004.  At 8:13 am on September 1, 2004, thousands gathered along three miles of Broadway, from the bull at Wall Street to the Republican Convention at Madison Square Garden. Standing silently for eighteen minutes, they held in their hands pink slips representing the millions of unemployed who were being left behind.  This was organized by The Imagine Festival of Arts and Ideas, People for the American Way,  artists, activists, unions, church groups, and social service organizations.  A number of us working on the 2012 action were the main organizers of that action. Here’s a link to some photos from the original action: http://www.wastedirony.com/linephoto/.  It was well covered in all the media – here’s a link to a NY Times piece : http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/01/nyregion/01CND-PROT.html

What we need
* We are looking for collaborating organizations to turn out people for this demonstration.
* We are also looking for experienced organizers, though we already have a number on board.
* We are looking for people willing to stand in for the unemployed for 14 minutes on January 17.

Contact:
Kristin Marting
Artistic Director, HERE
kristin@here.org
212-647-0202 x320

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