The Animodules™ History Project was a citywide public art project involving hundreds of children, youth, and senior citizens. Twelve local and international artists worked closely with students and seniors collecting historical research and organizing that research into a visual narrative reflecting the history of the city. Five permanent outdoor Animodules™ sculptures, each representing an historical theme, were created and installed at PSEG Plaza, where they are viewed by hundreds of people daily. The historical themes included:
1) Art/Entertainment/Sports; 2) Invention/Business/Industry; 3) Education; 4) Urban Changes; and 5) Diversity/Immigration.
Animodules™ are giant modular sculptures named “Newark’s Official Peace Ambassadors” by the office of the mayor, as they represent the creativity and vision of the city’s youth. For this project, the Animodules™ took on an additional role, honoring Newark’s senior citizens, and their stories of the past.
A blog was created documenting the entire project:
http://animodule350historyproject.tumblr.com, and a new section was added to our website: Newark Celebration 350 Blog detailing the project.
