Download a printable PDF of the survival guide.

FIGMENT 2008 SURVIVAL GUIDE

 

What is FIGMENT?

FIGMENT is an annual celebration of creative culture on Governors Island in New York Harbor. It provides an open forum for artists, helps build a creative community and fosters participatory and public art. A broad spectrum of arts are represented, including sculpture, performance, music, installation, dance, costuming and activities. It is free and open to the public, and welcomes a broad spectrum of participants of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Participatory art? How is this different from going to a museum?

At its most basic level, participatory art invites interaction. You don’t just stand there and look at it: you touch it, smell it, climb it, write on it, jump over it, yell at it, talk back to it, crawl under it, perform in it, take your picture with it… and ultimately become a part of the artwork itself! So, a participatory arts event is a gathering of creative experience that invites this kind of interaction.

In addition, FIGMENT allows you to become the artist, inviting others into your world. Bring your favorite costume, game, musical instrument, delectable dish, obscure talent or eclectic bit of knowledge and share it with the world!

 

So what's going to be out there?

Lots of things! Check the website for an up-to-date listing of art projects, performances, activities, lectures and other ways to spend your weekend.

http://figmentnyc.org/projects

 

I want to share my art too! How can I participate?

The submission deadline for projects at FIGMENT was June 5. However, it may still be possible to squeeze in projects afterward. If your project is simple (a costume, a game, a simple activity, a sculpture that does not require any infrastructure, etc.), you can just bring it to FIGMENT. Please see the Artist Check-In tables when you get to Governors Island. Please note that we cannot accommodate any special requests (power, special placement, any infrastructure) for projects that arrive on the day of the event.

 

When is FIGMENT? What are the hours that I can go there?

FIGMENT 2008 is Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 28. On Friday, FIGMENT is open from 10am to 5pm (the last ferry back to Manhattan is at 5pm). On Saturday and Sunday, FIGMENT is open from 10am to 6pm (the last ferry back to Manhattan is at 7pm, but please plan on taking an earlier ferry back, as the last ferry tends to get crowded). Everyone must be off the island by the last ferry (5pm on Friday, and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday).

 

I can't wait to participate! How do I get there?

By Free Ferry from Manhattan:

1. Take a train, bus, bicycle, rollerskates or zeppelin to the Financial District. The R at Whitehall Street is the closest stop to the ferry. The M6, M9 and M15 buses also run here.

2. Walk South on Whitehall Street (towards Pearl Street) until you see the Battery Maritime Building, which is the historic-looking green building to the left of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal as you face the harbor.

3. Be careful crossing the highway (the FDR/South Street)! Make sure you are in the crosswalk and have the light.

4. Get on a ferry. On Friday and Sunday, the ferries leave every hour on Friday starting at 10am and ending at 3pm. On Saturday, the ferries leave every half hour starting at 10am and ending at 5pm. Ferries from Governors Island back to Manhattan always leave every half hour.

 

What should I bring?

Remember to bring anything you might need for the day. There are no stores to purchase sundries from on Governors Island. The island does have medical facilities, restrooms/porta-potties, and a few snack carts (like the kind you may see on the street in Midtown Manhattan).

Here's a list of things to consider bringing:

Here's a list of things that are prohibited:

Leave no trace

Governors Island is a historic public place. Please help keep it beautiful by cleaning up after yourself and not littering. The entire FIGMENT staff is volunteers, including the clean up crew. We adhere to a "Leave no Trace" ethic, and ask you to do the same. If you bring it out there with you, either bring it back or make sure it gets into a trash receptacle on the island.

 

No soliciting

FIGMENT is a non-profit event planned and staffed by a team of volunteers. One of its goal is to create a social and creative experience uninterrupted by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. This way, people can focus on simply sharing art and meeting one another in a friendly way.

FIGMENT does not sell T-shirts, buttons, or tickets. Selling goods or services or soliciting donations is not permitted at FIGMENT.

 

Share your photos and video

Help FIGMENT by sharing your photos for video. On photo sharing websites, use the tag "FIGMENT2008". Post video to the FIGMENT YouTube channel. Send us links to your photos at photos@figmentnyc.org. With your permission, we'd like to use them for promotional purposes. Full credit will always be given each time your work is used.

 

Who are the people behind FIGMENT?

FIGMENT is a project of Action Arts League (http://actionartsleague.org/), and is produced by a large coalition of volunteers in partnership with The Pure Project (http://thepureproject.org). FIGMENT 2008 is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

And of course, the use of Governors Island is generously provided by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) and the National Park Service.

 

How do I get more involved in FIGMENT? What can I do to help?

As FIGMENT is a free, community-based event run entirely by volunteers, we're always looking for help and support to grow FIGMENT! Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1. Volunteer! See our volunteer form at http://figmentnyc.org/volunteer.

2. Donate! FIGMENT is supported exclusively by grants and individual contributions. To support FIGMENT, visit http://figmentnyc.org/donate.

3. Join our mailing list so we can keep you informed about FIGMENT! Visit http://figmentnyc.org/list.

4. Got a big idea for FIGMENT or a crazy proposal for next year? Let us know at bigidea@figmentnyc.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 



 




© 2008 ACTION ARTS LEAGUE / CONTACT US