Occupy Museums protests the anti-democratic policies of Lincoln Center and Bloomberg at Satyagraha

Occupy Museums to protest the anti-democratic policies of Lincoln Center and Bloomberg on the last performance of Satyagraha Thursday December 1, 2011 at 10:30PM.

It is no doubt timely that Philip Glass' opera 'Satyagraha'--which depicts Gandhi's early struggle against colonial oppression in South Africa--should be revived by the Metropolitan Opera in 2011, a year which has seen popular revolutions in North Africa, mass uprisings in Europe, and the emergence of Occupy Wall Street protests in the United States.

Yet we see a glaring contradiction in ‘Satyagraha’ being performed at the Lincoln Center where in recent weeks protestors from Occupy Wall Street have been arrested and forcibly removed for exercising their First Amendment rights to peaceful public assembly.

It’s also a striking irony that Bloomberg L.P is one of the Lincoln Center’s leading corporate sponsors. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has stifled free speech, free press, and freedom of assembly in an aggressive campaign against Occupy Wall Street protestors in New York City that has influenced a crackdown on the protests nationally. The juxtaposition is stark: while Bloomberg funds the representation of Gandhi's pioneering tactics of nonviolent civil disobedience in the Metropolitan Opera House, he simultaneously orders a paramilitary-style raid of the peaceful public occupation of Liberty Park, blacking out the media, while protestors are beaten, tear-gassed, and violently arrested.

Satyagraha is a Sanskrit word meaning "truth-force," and we at Occupy Wall Street, by exercising tactics of nonviolent direct action inspired by those championed by Gandhi, have insisted that the truth be told:

Our commons have been stolen from us to profit the wealthiest 1%. We have lost homes, jobs, affordable education, natural resources, and access to public space. Our culture has been co-opted by a corporate elite. Many suffer so a few may thrive.

Previously, Occupy Museums and other OWS groups came to Lincoln Center to protest the "generous philanthropy" of David H. Koch, the funder of the Tea Party and of anti-global warming research, who uses philanthropic contributions to the former New York State Theater to whitewash his misanthropic reputation and write off his taxes. We will return again to Lincoln Center, where 'Satyagraha' has inspired us to once again challenge the ruthless nexus of power and wealth and reclaim our public space and common dignity.

We would like to announce two actions:

✔A General Assembly at 10:30 PM at Lincoln Center. Join us in an open conversation about the effects of increased privatization and corporatization of all aspects of society, and the use of nonviolent civil disobedience around the world to reclaim the commons.

* Composer Philip Glass will join the general assembly and mic-check a statement.

✔If permission is not granted to protest on Lincoln Center plaza by Thursday evening, some members of Occupy Wall Street will enact a hunger strike. They will not end this strike until their demands are met, starting with the demand that Lincoln Center and the City of New York guarantee the freedoms of speech and assembly on the city-owned plazas and walkways of Lincoln Center.   Occupy Museums stand in solidarity with these hunger strikers and offer support for this courageous form of protest.

The symbolic opening of this space for protest stands for the spaces all over the city and country that we vow to liberate from the control of the 1% for the full use of the public.

October 30, 2011 - "About Falling" at Liberty Plaza

Artist Ehud Darash presented his planned intervention at 16 Beaver last night.

Please join him in making this action happen:

What: About Falling in OWS

Where: The red cube, across from Zuccotti park

When: Sunday, October 30th, 12PM.

Description: We are going to fall, very slowly - from standing to laying down, in the vicinity of Zuccotti Park. It is an artistic action that is adressed *to* OWS, celebrating the diversity of this movement by introducing to it a temporary "otherness" - a different way of being.

We will meet at the red cube for a short teach-in and an explanation of the background of this gesture and practice.

The following is an example of previous renditions of the action:

November 3, 2011 - Stravinsky at Liberty Plaza

Stravinsky’s timeless and haunting “L’histoire du Soldat” (“The Soldier’s Tale”), a parable for three actors and seven musicians, will be performed for Occupy Wall Street at Zuccotti Park by Broadway actors and New York musicians on Nov. 3rd from 5-6pm, with a possible additional performance on Nov. 4th.

*(NOTE: Nov. 4th is our back-up rain delay date!  We’ll keep you posted!)*

Stravinsky and C.F. Ramuz’s hour-long tale/ballet/oratorio tells the story of a Soldier on leave to see his sweetheart.  Nearly home, he is sidetracked by the Devil.  In an infernal insider-trading scheme, the Soldier gains a magic book that tells the future of the economy, but, in return, must give up his precious violin.   Imprisoned - by the Devil, his newfound wealth, and his own delusions - this veteran is separated from his loved ones and true happiness.  This fairy tale, spoken in sparkling verse to some of Stravinsky’s most charming and memorable music, is about the complex nature of greed, and the meaning and price of freedom. Its themes resonate effortlessly with the aims and ideals of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Starring famed New York actors Erik Liberman (Broadway, “LoveMusik,” Helen Hayes-Award Winner for “Merrily We Roll Along”), Elizabeth Stanley (Broadway, “Company,” “Cry-Baby,”), and Nick Choksi (“Invasion” at The Flea, “Twelfth Night” with Sonnet Rep, regular on “One Life to Live”), and with some of New York’s finest contemporary music performers conducted by Ryan McAdams, this one-time-only performance explores the relationships between money, love, and happiness through a fairy tale that is, like all great fairy tales, beautiful, terrifying, funny, and deeply moving. 

Occupy Museums: Speaking out in front of the Canons

The game is up: we see through the pyramid schemes of the temples of cultural elitism controlled by the 1%. No longer will we, the artists of the 99%, allow ourselves to be tricked into accepting a corrupt hierarchical system based on false scarcity and propaganda concerning absurd elevation of one individual genius over another human being for the monetary gain of the elitest of elite. For the past decade and more, artists and art lovers have been the victims of the intense commercialization and co-optation or art. We recognize that art is for everyone, across all classes and cultures and communities. We believe that the Occupy Wall Street Movement will awaken a consciousness that art can bring people together rather than divide them apart as the art world does in our current time…

Let’s be clear. Recently, we have witnessed the absolute equation of art with capital. The members of museum boards mount shows by living or dead artists whom they collect like bundles of packaged debt. Shows mounted by museums are meant to inflate these markets. They are playing with the fire of the art historical cannon while seeing only dancing dollar signs. The wide acceptance of cultural authority of leading museums have made these beloved institutions into corrupt ratings agencies or investment banking houses- stamping their authority and approval on flimsy corporate art and fraudulent deals.

For the last few decades, voices of dissent have been silenced by a fearful survivalist atmosphere and the hush hush of BIG money. To really critique institutions, to raise one’s voice about the disgusting excessive parties and spectacularly out of touch auctions of the art world while the rest of the country suffers and tightens its belt was widely considered to be bitter, angry, uncool. Such a critic was a sore loser.

It is time to end that silence not in bitterness, but in strength and love! Because the occupation has already begun and the creativity and power of the people has awoken! The Occupywallstreet Movement will bring forth an era of new art, true experimentation outside the narrow parameters set by the market. Museums, open your mind and your heart! Art is for everyone! The people are at your door!

The People Staged

ThePeopleStaged is an open stage for performance at OccupyWallStreet. As an entertainment outlet, ThePeopleStaged welcomes performances of all kinds and invites all to perform. ThePeopleStaged is an entertainment outlet ('open-mic' without the mic) for:

~ the participants of the Occupy Movement

~ the police who are watching over us

~ the observers who may join us

~ and the world who are with us.

Performances are encouraged to be no longer than 5 minutes.

Principles

- Share your world, your expressions, your political opinions (perform You)

- Respect diversity of expression and culture

(Note: As an independent group project (and not a working group) what follows is not necessarily the expressed opinions of the OccupyWallStreet Movement)

For an updated schedule and archive of performances, visit ThePeopleStaged Facebook page.

#arOCCUPYWALLSTREET

Protesters were not given permits to protest at Wall Street forcing them blocks from the New York Stock Exchange [NYSE] to the Zuccotti Park. Wall Street was barricaded off. Only part of the sidewalk was accessible to the public and there is a constant police presence around both the protesters and the NYSE at all times.

#arOCCUPYWALLSTREET takes the protest to the heart of the financial district, placing them directly in front of the NYSE. Augments now blanket the entire financial district.

Augmented reality gives protesters a global voice. The protest has spread to the White House lawn!

You can join the cause too! Details on how to do so can be found here.

For more documentation of the project visit the website: http://aroccupywallstreet.wordpress.com

#arOCCUPYWALLSTREET is organized by Mark Skwarek.

The Box Project

The Box Project by Abbigael Beddall

In early 2009 Abbigael Beddall began the production of 1000 handmade boxes using unique scraps of paper from a variety of sources. Now -- having tagged, priced, numbered, signed, and fully documented the works – they are ready for free distribution in exchange of a signature in her catalogue. (Much like a receipt or petition.)

Beddall will distribute the boxes, valued at $2,178,508,724 combined, to individuals at the Occupy Wall Street site on October 15, 2011 from 12noon to 2:00pm. The artist sees the project as her contribution to the economy as those accepting the boxes will see their individual assets increase accordingly.

The boxes help "stimulate the economy while highlighting our failed systems of value,” says Beddall. The performance scratches far beneath the surface, simultaneously mocking and creating economic exchange that flies in the face of those who have decided they are global decision makers.

The first 500 boxes will be distributed in New York City October 15, 2011 on Wall Street next to the bull's ass.

The last 500 boxes will be given away in Washington DC on October 22, 2011 at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. NW (between the Department of Treasury and U.S. Capitol).

Intervention at #OccupyOakland

Liesa Lietzke performed an intervention during #OccupyOakland:

"I started this work by pondering how to fit sculpture to the topography of Frank Ogawa Plaza, the city center of Oakland. My purpose, as always, was an aesthetic intervention that introduced playful absurdity into the everyday setting. When I heard that #OccupyOakland was going to happen in the plaza, I thought how much more fun it would be to install the work as a launch for the Oakland Occupennial (The first occupennial was organized by #OccupyWallStreet--the word references biennial art fairs). Being a lone rogue artist is, after all, a tired trope.

I installed the work before the first event on 10/10 and watched as people gathered over the course of the afternoon to fill the plaza, the space itself renamed by a large banner reading "Welcome to Oscar Grant Plaza--on Ohlone land."

The work was completed by people's participation. Some examined and squeezed the sculptures. One piece was labeled with a sign reading "Octopi Oakland." Looking at the same multi-legged piece, another occupier commented, "I don't get it. Is it making the point that suits are dicks?""

YESIREE THE PUBLIC NOTARY / CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

We have a window here, change will happen, to begin to think about what is wanted, not not wanted, has many levels of meaning and action. In order to properly Notarize these statements I need valid Identification. As one attests to who they are (that is actually what I am notarizing) they must form their thoughts about what a new world might look like, dually they state these envisionments, and by this act, include themselves in helping to make their vision a reality. Its illocutionary, my dear. Actually in the laws of the Notary, we are held to what we say (and we must say what we say Aloud!), or we will be committing perjury. However I do not threaten perjury to happy occupiers and visitors, but an opportunity to think for themselves what it is they want. This is not by consensus, but will be made into a collection. I plan to make this into a document that can stand as an archive of thoughts of this time of change. To be used in what way seems best, a library, for further action, research -  however, as time will tell. For now it is important to document this sentiment and initiate the forming and annunciation of these affirmations.

yesireepublicnotary.wordpress.com

Steve Lambert and Josh Luke make signs for Occupy Boston

Josh Luke (pro sign painter of Best Dressed Signs) and I headed over to Occupy Boston to help improve their signs. What was there was signs you’d make quickly if you had a sharpie and a piece of cardboard. What we left were a few handmade, red, white and blue beauties.

We tried to remake signs that identified tents like “Legal,” “Info,” “Media,” the free market, and others. Then Josh and I made a giant reminder to “Have Fun” before we finished.

We did this casually and took photos with our cell phones. Most of these photos are of Josh’s work because I was so stunned by his skills I actually forgot to take pictures of my own.

Read some other thoughts on the PSFK blog.

http://visitsteve.com/made/improving-occupyboston-signs-with-josh-luke/

Signal Strength

"Amelia Marzec, 30, displays her creation called Signal Strength. The hack involves using a device to send peer-to-peer signals between mobile phones, making a traditional network unnecessary and preventing conversations from being surreptitiously monitored."

Check the Occupennial calendar for details on when Marzec will set this up again. Stay tuned!

 http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2011/10/political-hackathon/?pid=1210

#occupyWallStreet Balloon Mapping project

The #occupyWallStreet Balloon Mapping project took place on Saturday, October 1st. For details and documentation please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blaineo/sets/72157627681704243/

Zombie March, Oct 3

The Arts and Culture working group of OWS encouraged all protesters to dress as corporate zombies on Monday October 3rd
Intention:
*As we in part are reacting against the unquenchable greed of the corporate system in place now, the zombie seems an appropriate metaphor to embody, as a reflection for those that work in the area, to perceive their actions with a new understanding.

*We encourage participants to dress, if possible, in corporate- esque attire (suits and ties for men, corporate wear for women). As it is Halloween time, white face paint and fake blood can be readily found. Get creative. Maybe the Zombies are eating monopoly money, or drinking from what looks like oil, etc. Maybe you are more of a Thriller Zombie that just wants to boogie.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/10/03/wall-street-protest-occupy.html?cmp=googleeditorspick

Summer of Change

Aaron Burr Society and Noah Fischer

"Today, September 22nd, 2011 is the last day of Summer.  And tomorrow is the beginning of the Fall...of the Empire of Greed. These coins, though insignificant in value, are the seeds of change for a new nation built on equality and justice" With these words, spoken before the New York Stock Exchange, the seven performances of the Summer of Change conclude.  We distributed each American numismatic currency from the dollar to the penny at the feet of the Gods of Wall Street in a bid to break through the mythology of Free Markets. Today we marched from Liberty Park, currently occupied as a democratic "Free Zone" in the mode of Tahrir Square (Egypt) and Puerta del Sol(Spain) to Wall Street- scattering the seeds of change as we walked.

http://www.summerofchange.net/

Light Grafitti @ Liberty Park, Oct 2

Vicki daSilva's "Light Grafitti" took place at Liberty Park on October 2, 2011:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrp_WL3LaKk