Art And Mutation: Recycled Rainbow Art Guidelines

If you wish to create art at Recylced Rainbow there are a few guidelines that you are encouraged to read.

What Open Space Means To Us

Wherever we end up this year we will make sure we have plenty of open space. This means that there is plenty of room to build things, whether stages, funhouses, video installations, clubs, discotheques, kitchens or, of course, art. With the space we now have available to us, anyone (given the proper motivation time and resources) can plan and execute an outdoor art installation. Indeed this possibility is one of the reasons we are moving the event outdoors.

This guide is intended to give you a few guidelines in planning and executing your art installation, but also in executing any medium or large scale project inclduing Theme Camps.

Planning

If you have never built an outdoor art installation, you are encouraged to do so at RR! Building an art installation in a place where you cannot readily leave to visit the local Big Box Hardware store and return (without paying the $5 re-entry fee each time you re-enter) means you will have to plan and come prepared.

Know Your Limits

Know what you can accomplish and what you cannot. For this next RR you may not have time to plan and build a giant geodesic ball that people can roll around the campground- but next year you may. Determining what you can do within the limits of time, budget and transportation is just as much a part of the process as building your installation. Identify what you can accomplish in a smaller timeframe than what you have and shoot for that. Don't be disappointed when it doesn't turn out the way you envisioned. Improvise and expect the unexpected!

Write Out A Plan

Writing out a planning document explaining what you want to do and how you think you will accomplish it is an invaluable tool in completing your project. Start out with sketches of your project. Remember, you are responsible for the installation. If you are building a tall installation that has the potential of being blown over by wind or falling on top of someone beccause of poor construction, you and you alone will be responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of your installation.

Materials

You will have to transport all of the materials you will use in building your installation. This includes all the materials that you didn't realize you would need until you actually built your installation. Do NOT come to RR with an art installation that you have not already had experience building. By prototyping your installation at home you will find exactly what materials, how many and how much it will cost to build your installation at RR. Which brings us to the next point...

Build Prototypes

Whatever you do, don't draw up your plans, purchase your materials and arrive at RR without having built your installation at least once (if not twice) before. Building your project twice in your back yard before bringing it out to RR will bring to light all the problems you didnt see in your planning as well as open up new opportunities where you didnt see them before! Building prototypes will also give you and your team practice in constructing your structure so when you arrive at RR, you'll be up and running in no time.

Practice Transporting Your Installation

If you are transporting materials for your installation (how else would you get them here?), it is a good idea to practice transporting those materials before you bring them to RR. If you have several sixteen foot two-by-fours that you are thinking about tying to the roof of your car, tie them to the roof of your car and see how they travel, especially if you are travelling over one hour. Doing this will not only prepare you for the event, but will also get you thinking about additional materials you will need just to transport your materials. Auto parts stores and hardware stores are good resources for ratchet-style ties, and blankets and foam rubber work wonders in keeping materials from gouging up the roof of your car. You may also find that a friend with a van who would like to attend will be invaluable in transporting materials.

Building Your Structure

If you are planning a structure that will take a full day to build, you should arrive as early as possible (day) to ensure you have the time to complete it. You won't want to still be building your installation when everyone is partying on Saturday night- chances are you'll want to be partying too, in or around your artwork!. Plan on extra time for unforseen problems. Regardless how many times you've prototyped your installation, something will go wrong, don't let it get you down. Consider it a challenge, figure out a solution or a safe workaround and improvise!

Secure Your Structure

Considering your responsibility for your project hurting another participant or damaging property, you will wnat to make sure your installation won't fall over, be blown over by wind, or be destroyed by rain. If you haven't built a structure that requires guy-wires, make sure you've built it more than a few times before you arrive at RR. There are several ways to secure taller structures and many of them can be researched on the internet. Practice! Test your securing members out with stresses. Prototype, prototype, prototype!

Burning Your Structure

If you wish to burn your structure at the end of the event you are more than welcome to. You are also responsible for fire safety and ensuring that burning your structure will no damage the land you are burning it on. If you plan to burn your installation in place where it was built you will have to ensure you do it safely.

Sound Installations

While Recycled Rainbow is determined to provide an environment conducive and supportive of open expression, including sound volumes, we also value the individual needs of each of our participants. If you are building an installation or stage that integrates or features sound, You are responsible for contacting your neighbors before setting up and alerting them to what will transpire. If you encounter a lot of opposition to your art, you will no doubt be able to find a better area to build your installation. Be courteous, make friends with your neighbors, and learn to enjoy solving problems in creative ways harmonious with the RR community.

Did We Mention That You Are Responsible For Your Own Art?

Once again. Recycled Rainbow will not take responsibility for any personal or property damage caused by your art installation- this includes from fire, structural problems or activities performed inside your installation.