Title
Resolution to Approve Street Closing of Liberty between State and Maynard for Literature vs Traffic from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 until 4:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 with a Rain Date of October 30-31, 2018
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to approve the closing of Liberty between State and Maynard for Literature vs Traffic from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 until 4:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 with a Rain Date of October 30-31, 2018. The actual event will take place from 5:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M.
The applicant, the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities provides the following information for your consideration:
The U-M Institute for the Humanities has invited Luzinterruptus, an anonymous art collective based in Spain, to work with university and community groups to create the illuminated book installation “Literature vs. Traffic.” The event is part of the institute’s 2018-19 theme “Humanities and Environments.”
For eight days this fall, dozens of student and community volunteers will work together with the artists in the historic Ruthven Museums Building preparing 10,000 books with lights and batteries for a one-night-only public art installation. The books-most earmarked for recycling-are being donated by individuals, libraries, and local organizations.
The work will culminate on October 23, when traffic will be closed on Liberty Street between State and Maynard-the typically bustling intersection of university and city, arts and culture. For one night, lighted books will “pave” the street, while passersby will be free to walk among the installation at their own pace, choosing books to take home in order to preserve a small piece of this stimulating and interactive work.
“We want literature to take over the streets and conquer public spaces,” explained Luzinterruptus, “freely offering those passing by a traffic-free place that, for some hours, will succumb to the humble power of the written word.”
Quick Facts
• 10,000 books will be donated by numerous partner organizations, including Kiwanis, PTO Thrift Shop, and local libraries. The majority earmarked for recycling will be given another life, extending community principles of repurposing and sustainability.
• U-M students and community volunteers from all ages and walks of life will work over 8 days to install LED lights in books
• Volunteers will work at the Ruthven Museum building and in public view at the Institute for the Humanities gallery
• All leftover books will be gathered and re-donated responsibly.
City Staff organized a meeting with the applicant and the State Street District to discuss this new and unique event. The District supports this event and will inform the impacted businesses of same.
The applicant agrees to obtain all necessary permits, to provide evidence of proper liability insurance as required, to comply with all City regulations governing the use of the streets and will reimburse the City for all event expenses.
Notification of the street closings will be provided through the City’s website, GovDelivery and also through the University of Michigan’s Communications Office.
Staff
Prepared by: Debra Williams, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has received a request from the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities to close Liberty Street from State to Maynard from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 until 4:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 with a Rain Date of October 30-31, 2018;
Whereas, The street closures will be signed, barricaded and properly supervised by the sponsor;
Whereas, The sponsor agrees to obtain all necessary permits, to provide evidence of proper liability insurance as required, to comply with all City regulations governing the use of the streets and will reimburse the City for all event expenses; and
Whereas, Notification of the street closings will be provided through the City’s website, GovDelivery and also through the University of Michigan’s Communications Office;
RESOLVED, That Council approve the closing of S Liberty Street from State to Maynard from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 until 4:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 with a Rain Date of October 30-31, 2018.