Short Answers about Project

What is the project about?
This project idea was designed as a satirical monument. It is a commentary on the class disparity within the Syracuse community.

Describe what FORM the project will take.
The project will essentially be a three-dimensional monument that is made out of fused money: pennies, quarters, dollars, etc. Whether the shape of the monument is arbitrary or distinct, the idea the money is “wasted” is key to the project. Whatever shape the monument becomes, it will be large, demanding attention from everyone who passes it.

Why do you want to work in the location you have chosen?
I want to work in Armory Square because it is one of the most high-class areas in Syracuse. The idea that people “waste” their money on frivolous, unnecessary things is prevalent in Armory Square where meals are expensive and clothes are over-priced. Perhaps placing a monument in such an area will influence those who regularly shop and dine here, making these people aware of the class disparity that they are likely not educated about.

Why is this site particularly appropriate for the project?
As said before, I think that people spend money regularly on fine restaurants and expensive clothing in Armory Square. Even though people are entitled to spend their money however they please, people sometimes get distracted and become unaware of those around them who are less fortunate. I think that by placing this monument in Armory Square, my group can call attention to a prevalent social problem within the Syracuse community.

Is this project an integration or an intervention, and why?
This project is definitely intervention and not integration. As a group, we are going to place a satirical monument in the heart of Armory Square that disturbs society and interferes with people’s normal expectations.

Will you get permission to work in the site?
I think that for the success of this project, we will need to get approval and permission to conduct this project. Because it is a monument that will stand in Armory Square for an extended amount of time, it will be crucial to carry this project out legally so that the art work can stand without breaking laws.

How does the piece disrupt OR fit in with the surroundings?
Ironically, I think this project both fits in and disrupts its surroundings. On a subconscious level, Armory Square is filled with money and wealth. People spend money on lavish dinners and expensive clothing. Even though money is not literally on the streets of Armory Square, I think that on a certain level, it is an implied factor that is either accepted or overlooked. In terms of being a disruption, this monument calls for attention. Also, because the monument is made out of something as unconventional as money, this project will undoubtedly steal people’s attention.

Name at least one artist project that we have looked at this semester that inspired your
project and explain why your project is related.
There were two artists that influenced the idea for this project. The concept of creating a satirical piece primarily stemmed from Damali Ayo’s satirical website. The main project that influenced this monument was the ball of trash the class saw. It was part of the AREA project, yet we were given no specific project name.

What are the goals & objectives of the project?
The goal of this project is to ultimately raise money for the poor people living in the Syracuse community. This project is supposed to call attention to the class disparity that people either overlook or simply do not know about.

How will you measure success for your project?
I think that by seeing a change within the poor community and seeing impoverished community improve in terms of better schooling, facilities, etc. (all funded by the donated money), the project can ultimately be called a success. I do not think that this project can end poverty within Syracuse, yet I think that it can begin a movement where people care more about the less fortunate people within the community.

Profile the target audience. Who are they? What do they care about? What are their expected reactions.
The target audience is middle to upper class residents of the Syracuse area who regularly shop and eat in Armory Square and spend a significant amount of money here. While these people care about designer clothing and good meals, they also need to be somewhat philanthropic. The target audience needs to be willing to see this monument and be willing to donate their money. Moreover, they also must be intelligent since this is a satirical monument, not a literal one. As with Damali Ayo’s project, some people got confused and thought her website was real. These people do not benefit these projects, which seek to highlight social problems and demand a change.

How do you want your audience to interact with your project?
I want the audience to be surprised, yet intrigued. I want them to question the monument and recognize its significance. More importantly, I want people to donate either their time or their money to this cause to help the poor community.