Streets into Gardens Favorite 

Practitioner: 

Date: 

May 14 1999

Location: 

Lower East Side

During this time rent prices in the Lower East Side/ East Village were rising due to the presence of many community gardens. In response to this, then Mayor Giuliani decided to sell the 198 gardens in question. Streets into Gardens was an effective project that engaged the neighborhood into a collective of change. With the use of carnival protest, not only did they attract media and outsiders to their cause, but produced a strong image of fun within these gardens. Through their use of costume, play, music and general frivolity, this campaign made a strong impression upon the City and saved them from demolition. This project was so effective because it was a direct call to an audience that already believed in the cause, keeping their neighborhood beautiful and playful.

Posted by Taryn Gamboa on

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