It’s been an incredible few weeks prepping for the launch of CIVIC SPACE and the Letter Library. Huge props to everyone who helped out, especially Kiki Athanassiadis & Lucy Howe! There’s a few hundred letters strewn about the space, waiting for you to takeout and caption the city. Stop by over the next few weeks — we’re Monday – Friday 11am – 4:30pm + Tuesday-Thursday 7-9:30pm. There’s more information on CIVIC SPACE on the new website too!
But before a total recap, it’s worth posting on some of the things that came together in preparing for the launch. Above, Josh’s extender-tool to reach high places with letters. Hacked together from a lot of spare wood and a paint roller.
The shelves of letters waiting to be hung.
Josh testing the rigidity of his extender tool.
And then, a street test.
Josh reaches.
It works.
Then, onto installing the more permanent sign on our building … atop the ladder.
Hiba at dusk.
Inside, prepping the file for the vinyl cut.
End of the night before the big day.
The next morning, Hiba and Rosina head back out to finish installing the sign.
Inside, weeding the vinyl.
Negative.
Across the street, Hiba talks to Claire Bronwell.
Inside, Rosina works on installing photos for the collage wall.
Getting reading to install the vinyl.
Meanwhile, Hiba, Kevin, and Kiki start mounting the letters on our walls.
Vinyl, installed.
Ro working on the photo wall.
Then, the launch kicks off with letters immediately heading out into the streets.
There was an incredible group of people floating in and out all week. We’re excited to get the photos back once the rolls are finished off.
From the outside, an installation…
Entering the space from our front door.
Proof of fun.
More letter selections.
Library card.
Piling letters before heading out.
Kiki making her selection.
Letter hunting.
Then, Hiba puts the returned letters back up.
Kevin converses.
The photo wall.
The letter wall, as people bring back their letters.
Last install of the evening.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out for our first event. As the rolls get finished, we’ll be installing them on the wall and posting them on the site. And, remember, the Letter Library is still open. If you’re in the neighbourhood stop by!
More soon, but first, a weekend to recover.
