democracy bench entry

Linda Hesh

2109 Paul Spring Rd.

Alexandria, VA 22307

United States of America

www.lindahesh.com

I propose to make a pair of benches for your “Democracy Bench” commission. Attached is an image of the benches: one is turquoise and has the word “FOR” cut out of the back, and the other one is red with “AGAINST” in the back. I am an artist and I had these benches made last fall for a temporary interactive public artwork so they have already been tested as a conduit for encouraging democratic discussion.

In my “FOR and AGAINST” Bench Project, I took these benches to various locations around Washington, DC in the United States and set them up in public locations. People passing by were invited to sit on the bench of their choice and pose for a photograph. These images are now online at http://www.lindahesh.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=8 You can also get to the gallery through the web page that explains the project: http://www.lindahesh.com/html/benches/ Written under each photograph is what the sitter(s) told me they are for or against. I went to twelve locations for 3-5 hours on the weekends or during the work week after hours. This project involved more public input than other art works of mine, though all my work is about interactions between people. On my website www.lindahesh.com you can view my resume to see that I have experience with making and displaying art.

For your bench project, I would have a new set benches made either in England or at the factory that made these in the United States of America. They could be shipped in parts from the USA via UPS or I might be able to find a manufacturer local to you. As they were made by a commercial company that makes benches on a regular basis it is very possible that I could find a manufacturer in the UK. Your budget could cover the bench cost, but they would cost more if they need to be shipped from the US. As you are getting two benches instead of one, that may be acceptable.

The ones shown here are 1.8 meters long (6 feet) though I might suggest doing them 1.2 meters (4 feet) to save on space and possible shipping costs. They are made of steel coated in thermoplastic which is weather resistant and allows graffiti to be easily removed. I used benches that were portable, but the same style can also have a base that can is attachable to a hard walkway. They could be placed next to each other or across from each other. These benches are specifically designed for public use with safety and durability in mind.

As I was taking my FOR and AGAINST benches around, I found that people were drawn to them. The bright colors are attractive, and the words inspire responses. People wanted to be photographed on them with their own cameras. As someone would sit down, they would start talking about their concerns, whether it was in their personal life, or on the world stage. Other people passing by would become engaged and a conversation would begin. And though the oppositional nature of the words could seem to create a partisan situation, instead the benches stimulated an openness that what is needed to solve any issue. The level of interaction the FOR and AGAINST benches create makes them seem the perfect solution for your “Democracy Bench”commission.

attached images:

hesh1 FOR and AGAINST benches

hesh2 FOR and AGAINST benches outdoors in use

hesh3 FOR and AGAINST benches as I used them in my artwork