Artist plans pop-up waterslide for UK city centre
by Chris Dodd | 19 Mar 2014
A mock-up of how the slide would potentially look when installed / Luke Jerram
Artist Luke Jerram has launched a fundraising campaign to install a pop-up waterslide on Bristol’s Park Street for one Sunday in May.
Jerram is looking to create the 90 metre slide in the UK city to explore the concept of connecting its landmarks and inhabitants in more interactive ways.
The idea has been boosted by an initiative launched by Bristol’s mayor, which sees the city centre streets closed on Sundays during the summer months through a 'Make Sundays Special' scheme.
To make the slide-idea a reality, the artist is seeking a contribution of £5,621 in donations, having already put in £3,600 for project management costs for the pop-up attraction.
Tests were undertaken in October to ensure that the slide can be adequately prepared should funding be gained.
The installation would see the slide made from plastic lining, with soapy water running down the feature, which is to be guarded between two barriers.
Jerram has seen the installation of other pop-up attractions in the city, with his Play Me, I'm Yours installation of street pianos now touring the world following its inception in Bristol.
An increasing number of artists and leisure enthusiasts have taken to designing and installing pop-up attractions in recent years.
Montreal-based design group Daily Tous Les Jours created a 21 Swings installation, featuring swings that generate musical notes when people use them.
Each of the swings was created to represent a different instrument, with users swinging in sequence to create a melody.
Artist Luke Jerram has launched a fundraising campaign to install a pop-up waterslide on Bristol’s Park Street for one Sunday in May. Jerram is looking to create the 90 metre slide in the UK city to explore the concept of connecting its landmarks and inhabitants in more interactive ways. The idea has been boosted by an initiative launched by Bristol’s mayor, which sees the city centre streets closed on Sundays
VAT,AAC
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