CIRCA Project Transforms Piccadilly Circus into Public Art Space
The CIRCA project, initiated by artist Josef O'Connor, is using the iconic Piccadilly Circus megascreen in London to broadcast daily two-minute art interventions at 8:20 PM starting October 1, 2020. The initiative aims to bring art to the streets during pandemic restrictions. Ai Weiwei kicked off the campaign in October with a video reflecting on the global pandemic threat. In November, California-based filmmaker Cauleen Smith presents her 'Covid Manifesto,' addressing African American identity. December features British artist Eddie Peake. The project also offers limited-edition artworks for sale on its platform, with proceeds supporting the UK's cultural sector. CIRCA's daily broadcasts create a meditative ritual, turning a public square into an open-air gallery.
Key facts
- CIRCA project launched by artist Josef O'Connor
- Daily art projections at Piccadilly Circus, London, starting October 1, 2020
- Broadcasts occur at 8:20 PM for two minutes
- Ai Weiwei contributed in October 2020 with a video on the pandemic
- Cauleen Smith's 'Covid Manifesto' shown in November 2020
- Eddie Peake scheduled for December 2020
- Limited-edition artworks sold on circa.art to support UK cultural sector
- Project aims to use art as universal communication during pandemic
Entities
Artists
- Josef O'Connor
- Ai Weiwei
- Cauleen Smith
- Eddie Peake
- Antonio Mirabelli
Institutions
- CIRCA
- Flashback
- Artribune
Locations
- Piccadilly Circus
- London
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Turin
- Piazza Bottesini
- California