Tagtool / OMAi : The Greensboro Sessions
The Tagtool Crew, a group of Vienna based projection artists will be in Greensboro at the end of September to offer a series of public art experiences in which participants become “projection painters” by having their electronic artwork projected onto the sides of buildings and other large-scale structures throughout the city. These events are part of the city’s 17 Days Festival. The crew is part of Austria’s Office of Media and Arts International (OMAi), which produces an ipad app called Tagtool. This app can be used to create digital drawings and animations for both play and profession. Tagtool is perfect for adding visuals to music, for public art projection events, for set and lighting design, and for collaborative games. It is downloadable through itunes. As part of the Greensboro sessions, a free version of the app will be available locally.
Elsewhere will host two free workshops for people interested in trying out the application at the museum and learning about how to use Tagtool in a variety of artistic contexts. Space is limited. Contact Jennie at production@goelsewhere.org for more information and for workshop registration.
All materials needed for the workshops and First Friday Finale will be provided. Those with ipads are encouraged to bring them. A free downloadable version of the Tagtool app will be available for all attendees.
Tagtool Events at Elsewhere
Tagtool 101| September 24 | 7 to 10pm
Hear the inside story of Tagtool, and see how it’s used by a global community of artists. See Tagtool in action in a live demonstration by its makers. Get hands-on experience using the tool and get started with a new, spontaneous and improvisational approach to digital art.
The Tao of Tagtool | October 1 | 7 to 10pm
An in-depth crash course for visual creatives who want to incorporate Tagtool into their artistic arsenal. Through one-on-one tutoring and short performances we explore site-specific work, realtime collaboration and improvisational storytelling, as well as best practices for setting up and documenting Tagtool sessions.
Tagtool First Friday Finale | October 3 | 6 to 10pm
A spectacular public projection event across Greensboro’s South Elm Neighborhood. Demonstrations and hands on play alongside live music by Quilla, Must Be the Holy Ghost, and COLAPSS. Collaborate with new neighbors on animated illustrations, paint the town whatever color you want, make your drawings bigger than life, or just enjoy watching the action.
Tagtool/OMAi: The Greensboro Sessions is sponsored by The Public Art Endowment, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Collaborators on the project include: the 17 Days Festival and Arts Greensboro, Elsewhere and the Greensboro Children’s Museum.
More information about the project can be found at http://cfgg.org/public-art-endowment/tagtool-omai-greensboro-sessions.
Contact Cheryl Stewart at cacstewart1@aol.com to learn more about The Greensboro Sessions and upcoming Public Art Endowment projects.
Events
Thursday, September 18 | 8 – 11pm
‘Flip the Switch’ : Public Launch Event
The Lofts, 319 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(Parking area next to Cheesecakes by Alex)
Friday, September 19 | 8 – 11 pm
Public Projection Event
The Lofts, 319 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(Parking area next to Cheesecakes by Alex)
Saturday, September 20 | 8 – 11pm
City View Apartments
311 King Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Wednesday, September 24 | 7 – 10pm
Artist Workshop : Tagtool 101
Elsewhere
606 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
Thursday, September 25 | 8 – 11 pm
Public Projection Event
NC A&T University
Dudley Building
Friday, September 26 | 8 – 11 pm
Public Projection Event
Carolina Theatre
310 S. Greene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Wednesday, October 1 | 7 – 10 pm
Artist Workshop : The Tao of Tagtool
Elsewhere
606 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
Friday, October 3 | 6 – 10 pm
First Friday Finale : Public Projection Event
Projections starting at 730pm
Elsewhere
606 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
About OMAi and The Tagtool Crew
Based in Vienna, Austria, OMAi and the Tagtool Crew lead public art projection events and collaborative light painting workshops around the world.
Markus Dorninger is a digital artist and designer. His work comprises projection interventions as well as stage performances. He invented Tagtool to bring to life the images that inhabit our imagination.
Josef Dorninger is a true-to-the-game Tagtoolista who takes care of business at OMAi. With his extensive experience as youth worker and workshop leader, he explores the educational benefits of creative projectionism.
Matthias Fritz is an active VJ who joined forces with the Dorninger brothers. As a versatile visualist with a strong community focus, he has taught Tagtool to thousands around the world.
About the Public Art Endowment
The mission of The Public Art Endowment is to help preserve and expand Greensboro’s sense of community by making possible the long-term and permanent placements of significant public artworks through the city. The endowment is a permanent fund supported solely by private support and is the only fund of its kind in the area. Stewardship for The Public Art Endowment is provided by Trustees who are passionate enthusiasts for the arts and for Greensboro. For more information, visit CFGG.org.
About 17DAYS Festival
17DAYS Festival is a public-service, collaborative listing of fall arts and cultural events produced by dozens of independent organizations, artists, and presents in Greensboro, North Carolina. Hosted by ArtsGreensboro and now entering its fourth year, 17DAYS has become the state’s largest collaborative festival, featuring over 100 events, exhibitions, and performances produced by more than 70 artists, presenters, organizations, and venues. The 2014 Festival will take place from September 19 through October 5. For more information, visit 17DAYSGreensboro.org.
About The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is a charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community for present and future generations. The Community Foundation promotes philanthropy, builds and maintains a permanent collection of endowment funds and serves as a trustworthy partner and leader shaping effective responses to community issues and opportunities. Visit CFGG.org.
About the Greensboro Children’s Museum
The Greensboro Children’s Museum (GCM) is a hands-on, interactive museum for children, their families and teachers. The Museum is designed to inspire learning through play in a fun, energetic and safe environment for children up to 10 years of age. The 37,000 square foot facility in downtown Greensboro includes over 20 permanent hands-on exhibits in “Our Town” and a new outdoor Edible Schoolyard that are designed to stimulate children’s imaginations and provide educational play experiences. It’s where play is a smart adventure! For more information visit gcmuseum.com.
About Elsewhere
Elsewhere is an artist-run, non-profit living museum, artist residency, and creative laboratory set in a former thrift store in downtown Greensboro, NC. Utilizing the massive 58-year inventory, Elsewhere’s environment of art and everyday objects invokes new modes for creative response, living, doing, and exchanging in our downtown neighborhood and across the world. More information (here!) at goelsewhere.org.
August 27, 2014, “Tagtool/OMAi: The Greensboro Sessions Announcement / The Public Art Endowment“, CFGGstories
August 27, 2014, “Public Art Endowment to host U.S. debut of Austrian artists for engaging, interactive public art series. highlighted feature of 17DAYS Festival“, CFGG
August 27, 2014, “Greensboro buildings to come alive for interactive art“, News & Record
August 27, 2014, “17DAYS , National Folk Fest announcements create buzz“, Yes!Weekly