Beakerhead Snakes and Ladders
The downtown core of Calgary will be turned into a larger-than-life version of the game Snakes and Ladders this September as part of Beakerhead 2017.
A dozen or so hands-on installations will make up a citywide “game board” that tells the story of the human ingenuity that built the west. The initiative is supported by the Canada 150 Fund.
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a unique opportunity to get Canadians involved in their communities. The Beakerhead Creative Society’s fascinating project will bring Canadians together and provide them with enriching shared experiences. Make the most of the 150th anniversary celebrations to proudly promote the projects that unite members of your community. Come have fun with us!” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
“Western Canada represents the outcome of 150 years of human ingenuity. This is what the project Calgary Snakes and Ladders will allow you to discover, in 2017, as part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Downtown Calgary will transform into a giant game board where participants can learn more about the accomplishments and inventions that have shaped our country. Don’t miss this wonderful adventure!” says the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre).
The announcement of the project is joined with a Call for Proposals. Organizers are looking for ideas from artists, engineers, designers and makers that will transform existing infrastructure into interactive experiences, such as musical stairs or massive slides using buildings and walkways.
“It’s a call to get creative in thinking about ways the city’s infrastructure can be the chapters of a story about human ingenuity,” says Mary Anne Moser, president and co-founder of Beakerhead.
Hoarding, cranes, bridges and stairways can all be turned into experiences that embody the ups and downs of the remarkable history that has built Calgary – from Indigenous Peoples to the discovery of oil to the surge of social entrepreneurship today.
“The story of the ingenuity that built the west is well worth sharing. We are really excited about the ‘show, don’t tell’ approach of Beakerhead,” says Chris Hardwicke, principal at O2 Planning + Design, the firm engaged by Beakerhead to help spearhead the project.
That story includes the value of walking, playing and creating. Both the International Play Association and Walk21 will host events in 2017 connected with Calgary Snakes and Ladders.
The initial call for proposals will support the creation of five or more new installations. Several potential sites have been identified.
More information and the Call for Proposals are online at beakerhead.com.
Source: Beakerhead news release