http://improveverywhere.com / http://improveverywhere.ning.com
This group from New York was founded in 2001 under the slogan “we cause scenes”. Since then, they have carried out more than 70 "missions" in public spaces managing to always create a strange mix of chaos and fun. Their interventions en masse, the apparent spontaneity and the lack of confrontation or ilegality is disconcerting for both those present and the authorities and which in a different way bring about the one of the key ideas of large cyclists demonstrations known as "Critical Mass": organized coincidence. Their unique approach has resounded in many cities all over the world, where very diverse groups have been inspired to organize new missions in the wake of the New York group, coordinating themselves through social networks.
The Influencers and Enmedio collective will coordinate a new "mission" in Barcelona!
For more information you can subscribe to The Influencers 2009 newsletter and read more about preparatory workshops (text in Spanish).
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"La Bola" ("The Ball"), a flash mob inspired by Improv Everywhere and coordinated by Enmedio. |
The beginning of Improv Everywhere: being Ben Folds. The four main points of Improv Everywhere pranks. The "No Pants" subway ride: from six friends to 1200 people. |
One of the first large scale missions: "Look Up More" and the reactions of the three different stores. Another action in a retail store: "Operation Best Buy". |
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"The MP3 Experiment". 111 shirtless guys in a fashion retail store: "No Shirt". |
The "Frozen Grand Central" mission. How the idea spread all over the world (and got coopted too!). |
One of the few authorized actions: the Food Court Musical. |
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The "Human Mirror". The "High Five Escalator". The announcement of "La Bola" action in Barcelona. |
Q&A. What are your motivations? Do you do it for profit? About media and announcing missions. What about Improv's relationship with the press? About breaking the law. |
Q&A. What about companies co-opting Improv ideas? Are Improv Everywhere's missions art? Are they pranks? Are they candid camera? Could they be used to promote a social cause? How do you get people collaborating? Ever had any aggression from the people? Is there a "guerrilla theater" scene in New York? Where do ideas for missions come from? |
