the ocean of blood

WE'VE MOVED!!

2011-09-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Go to our new website:

THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM
THEOCEANOFBLOOD.COM

for updates, pictures and stories about our travels down the Ganges River, Autumn 2011. (everything here has been migrated to there - so update your bookmarks/links!)

Good Morning Rickshaw, Good Evening Ice Bike

2011-09-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

The city is hot as hell and beautiful as ever. We walked around Red Fort yesterday and through the markets near there. Goat heads, fish, spices and auto parts for sale...

we're here!

2011-09-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

we've arrived in new delhi and it smells wonderful. catching a train to farrukhabad tomorrow, can't wait to see the river and our boats again. here are proposal drawings for our performance in varanasi, scheduled for early november (at the time of the diwali festival)

Swimming Cities crew prepare for departure

2011-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Robin Frohardt, Charlie Buckets, Orien McNeill, Porter Fox, Mayra Cimet, Lamar VanDriver, Angie Kang (not everyone pictured is traveling - still, bon voyage!)

Ganges Itinerary

2011-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Swimming Cities 2011 Ganges Itinerary

September
21 -24 (Wed-Sun) Arrival and Stay in New Delhi
24-25(Saturday) Voyage to Farrukhabad
25- 9 Build in Farrukhabad

October
9 Arual
10 Nanaman
11 Nearby Bithur
11-13 Shivarajpur
13 Nearby Kanpur
14 Najavghar
14-17 Bhidor
17 Navstha
18-21 Kara
21 Nearby Allahabad
22 Rasulpur
23-24 Vindhyanshel
24-27 (Wed) Chanar
27 (Thu) Adlpura
28 (Fri) Varanassi
28-8 Build at Varanassi

November
6-9 Festival Ganga Mahotsav
10 Dev. Diwali Full Moon
8-12(?) Collaborative Finishing of Sculpture
12-20 Break Down to Storage

Come To Our Last Last Last Party! (Before we go to India)

2011-09-14T21:32:00.001-07:00

Swimming Cities presents:

The Last Last Last Party

(Before We Get the Hell Out Of Here and Take Our Boats Down the Ganges River)

We’re leaving September 20 for India…but before we do we’re throwing one last blowout in Bed-Stuy, Friday Sept. 16, to party with our friends. Booty dancing, booze, freaks and face paint all night with DJs Stache, Tinseltown and Dave O'Clock. 16 oz. beers for $2 all night; open bar 9:30-10:30. We’ve been building boats and fundraising for two years, and now we’re headed to the Ganges for a 400-mile river trip...Come send us off in style from 9pm-late!

Friday, Sept. 16

80 Vernon Avenue, between Marcy and Tompkins, Brooklyn

G train to Myrtle/Willoughby station

9:30-late; $5 all night

21 and over

weareswimmingcities.org

Swimming Cities presents A Weekend at the Boggsville Boatel

2011-09-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Swimming Cities Presents:

Constance Hockaday’s Boggsville Boatel

September 8- 9- 10.

photo by: lunar camel co

The Boggsville Boatel in Far Rockaway, has been SOLD OUT all summer long. We’re auctioning rooms for a weekend bash September 8-10. (All proceeds go to the Swimming Cities India raft project...We leave Sept 20!) Scroll down to see the boats and current bids. Send an email to swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com or text or call 718-757-2558 to bid on your favorite boat and extend your summer one more night! All auctions will end 24 hours before check-in time. So you have time to pack!

Scroll down to see listings and prices for all the boats. Published prices represent the current highest bid. Bid up from there ...

1. The Chris Craft | Current Bid Per Night: Friday 9/9 $95

A new addition to the fleet... This 1960s vintage cruiser was decked out by the Swimming Cities crew. It sleeps 6 in two double beds and two bunk beds and has a sexy bar built into the stern. Plenty of room to lounge on the sky bridge, bow or poop deck.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

2. Crumb | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $100

Crumb is a quaint and comfortable boat and was probably previously owned by an elderly couple. There is a private sleeping area; it’s spacious and perfect for rolling around in. She sleeps 4 people. This boat also has a shaded top deck with reclining furniture.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

3. Ms. Nancy Boggs | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $150

Ms. Boggs is a rustic floating cabin. This 1967 Drift-R houseboat has been remodeled into down-home love nest. This boat can sleep 4 or 5 people. There are two beds, one of which can fit 3.5 people and the other just one. It is the perfect place to roll around with more than one or two. It has a spacious breakfast nook and several decks for sun bathing, fishing, or picnicking.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

4. Four C's | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $80

The Four C's is a little cabin cruiser with a dinette, double V-berth and teak interior. There's a nice deck for sittin' on the stern too...

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

5. Americano | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $70

Americano is a Guido vessel with a long sloping bow. This boat is very private and sleeps 3-4. The windows are tinted and the inside is very Slick Rick.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

6. New York, NY | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $70

New York, NY is Euro. This boat has been remodeled to be more open than she was originally designed to be. She sleeps 3-4 people, and she has a breakfast nook, a great space for preparing lunches, and a desk for the writer-ly types.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

7. Queen Zenobia | Current Bid Per Night: Saturday 9/10 $80

Queen Zenobia is a classy little 30-foot yacht. She can sleep 3-4 people, if they are willing to snuggle up. On this boat there is a comfortable little breakfast nook and plenty of deck space for lounging around.

BID: swimmingcitiesoceanofblood@gmail.com | 718-757-2558

The Boggsville Boatel is a floating hotel and theater fashioned out of abandoned and re-claimed boats, all of which sleep 2-5 people. Six of the vessels are leisure fishing crafts from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, ranging from 28 to 40 feet long. Another is a 70’s drifter houseboat remodeled into a rustic penthouse. Rooms include dinner and access to our GOING AWAY PARTY Sept 10 right next door at Marina 59, from 8pm-late. Kick it on your poop deck four blocks from the beach with cold beer, all of your friends and swim trunks—plus Cocktail Cruises in Jamaica Bay, Jerk Burgers & Pineapple Hot Dogs by Carnival Queen Lamar Iposa and Sea Shanty Karaoke.

Photo Credits:

1. Porter Fox 2. Lunar Camel Co 3. Michael DePasquale /Inhabitat 4. Nathaniel Kensinger 5. Jamie Feldmar/Gothamist 6. Flux Factory 7. Make Blog

Marina 59 & Swimming Cities Summer Extension & Going Away Party

2011-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

facebook event

Saturday, September 10 at 2:00pm - September 11 at 2:00am

The Swimming Cities is extending summer one last weekend with a Far Rockaway Boating & Beach Holiday at Marina 59. Last chance for a summer getaway from the city and only an hour away by train...

Rent out an otherwise sold out Boggsville Boatel boat for a sleepover Thursday, Friday, & Saturday (Sept . 8. 9. 10)

We'll be celebrating Saturday with Cocktail Cruises in Jamaica Bay, Honey Rum Drink Specials, Jerk Burgers & Pineapple Hot Dogs by Carnival Queen Lamar Iposa, DJs, live music, outdoor movie screenings of maritime favorites, affordable art for sale, swimming in the bay, & evening festivities hosted by Brooklyn Pirates.

Paddleboard, kayak, and skiff rentals available. We are expecting temperatures in the mid-70s so please bring an extra layer if you are not planning to sweat on the dance floor

Please no outside booze. Dogs & Moms welcome!

All Ages, $5 Suggested Donation

Four blocks from the beach & Two blocks from the A Train at Beach 60th St!

Marina 59's Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67223774@N03/

The Battle for Mau Mau Island!!

2011-07-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

The battle is over. The dead have been buried. Now the victors will celebrate their booty(ies) at a grand dance party in Bed-Stuy! (See photos of the battle here.)

An article on Mau Mau in L Magazine here.

A celebration of The Battle for Mau Mau Island with Rusty Lazer (New Orleans, Bounce!), Dirtyfinger (Black Label), Geko Jones (Que Bajo?!) and Barney Iller (Rubulad).

Last weekend the naval gangs of New York assembled to Battle for Mau Mau Island. Come see the fallen soldiers, harvested booty, and glorious victors at a new two-story space in Bed-Stuy.

Mau Mau gangs, gladiator raft jousting, cocktail catacombs, clothing optional watergun fight, underground gambling & film screenings of eerily beautiful movies set on the water, slide show and videos of the battle, and an awards presentation for the victors. Wet & wild all night long.

Saturday, July 30, 9:30- late

80 Vernon Ave, between Marcy & Tompkins

(G train to Myrtle/Willoughby 1 block away; or J,M,Z to Myrtle)

Ice cold beer and watermelon vodka open bar 9:30-10:30

$5 for gangs in matching costumes, Mau Mau vets, or before 11pm, $10 otherwise; 21+

All proceeds go directly to the Swimming Cities India project. www.weareswimmingcities.org

Bordertown photos

2011-06-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, check out some of the photos from Bordertown here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dogseat/sets/72157626885669560/

Flickr set by Eric Harvey Brown

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicknormal/5797248868/in/photostream

Photos on Flickr by Nick Normal (click through to the left)

http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/own-this-city-blog/1516933/photos-swimming-cities-presents-bordertown

Time Out NY Own This City Blog by Syd London

Swimming Cities presents BORDERTOWN

2011-05-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING CITIES PRESENTS

B O R D E R T O W N
a party so big we had to divide it in half
FRIDAY JUNE 3RD

DJs
JORO BORO (ex-Bulgarian Bar/Tsunami Bass Experience)
TINSELTOWN (Flux Factory/ImageNode)
GUAPO FEO (Rubulad)
2MELO (Cumba Mela)

FRIDAY JUNE 3RD
9PM-LATE 9-10PM OPEN BAR.
$10 before 11pm or with costume; $15 otherwise.
Bordertown takes place in a converted trolley repair station scheduled to be demolished this summer.

1428 FULTON ST
(at Tompkins Ave)
BED-STUY BROOKLYN
Subway A, C to Kingston-Throop Aves.
www.weareswimmingcities.org

join our mailing list // online invite // facebook event
All proceeds go to Swimming Cities Ganges River project in India, fall of 2011

Choose your allegiance between the two fabulous party nations of VULGARIA & TAKISTAN. After an impassioned disagreement over whether a Pomeranian's nose is mauve or puce, a great wall has been erected between them, patrolled by the world's sexiest border guards.
Celebrate the absurd & arbitrary nature of borders, bureaucracy, and class inequality with us in this epic event that is designed to inspire the joys of insurrection, freedom, & integration.

The grungy Eastern Block gypsy state of VULGARIA invites you to celebrate the most debaucherous of holidays, National Vulgaria Day, the filthiest drunken day of the year. Festivities ruled by the corrupt dictator DAVO , featuring The People's National Thieves Market ,Tattoos, Rickshaw rides, Raunchy Street Food, Bike Jousting, Catherine the Terrible's Cossack Guard, Fortune Telling at the Altar of Saraghina, visuals by VJ FuzzyBastard, and Surprises!

The opulent monarchy of TAKISTAN invites you on the day of the great royal wedding to enjoy decadent attractions, featuring His Majesty's Royal Casino, Princess Cupcake's Naughty Boudoir, The Grand Inquisitor's quiz show, Dr. Adventure's Royal Guard, The Royal Passport Scavenger Hunt, the Royal Ultra-Tacky Runway Show, Live acts by Laura McMillian of the Egyptian Shumba and by Sugar in the Gas Tank, S&M Royal Wedding Visuals by The Housewives' Guide to Anatomy, Dirty Uncle Pony Rides and More Surprises!
Dress in your Princess Best for a chance to wed the dashing Prince of Takistan!

Patriotic Libations include: Vulgaria's national cocktail "The Three-Legged Mule" and Her Majesty's royal imbibement "Groundskeeper's Embrace at the Summer Palace" and yes, back by popular demand "Morning After Pill Jello Shots!"

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS

VULGARIA
SARAGHINA 8 ½
COSSACKS
STROMBOLI
ANAMATRONIC FORTUNE TELLING GYPSY BOOTH
DRUG FRONT BOARDWALK FORTUNE TELLER
BORDELLO MADAM
COCKTAIL THIEVING MONKEY
GHOST OF RASPUTIN
MUSTACHE CONTEST
INTERNATIONAL ARMS DEALER PLAYBOY

TAKISTAN
THIRD WORLD DICTATORS (THE DEVIL WEARS TAUPE)
GADAFFI SEXY BODYGUARDS
CARABINIERI
JERSEYSHORE VICTORIAN
IVANA TRUMP AND LIBERACE’S PROM NIGHT IN MONACO
SIGFRIED AND ROY
MICRONATION ROYALTY
GROOMED POODLE “STANDARD” WITH SHOWPAPERS
MUSTACHE CONTEST
”WHAT IS THAT, VELVET?”
PRINCESS! PRINCESS! PRINCESS!

join our mailing list // online invite // facebook event
we always need help! if you'd like to volunteer, e-mail: theoceanofblood(at)gmail(dot)com

Come Party With US!

2011-05-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 27, 10pm-LATE

97 Wycoff Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn

Dekalb Ave (L), Myrtle/Wycoff (M)

$5 cover

It's a VERY SPECIAL Memorial Day Weekend Party!

Swimming Cities joins up with two dance floor SUPER POWERS!

Dirty Finger (Black Label Bicycle Club, BK)
http://www.facebook.com/DjDirtyfinger
&
Rusty Lazer (New Orleans Bounce)
&
Lady Business (New Orleans)

STRAIGHT UP DANCE PARTY MAYHEM.

... and, because we love you, there will be a Bike Burlesque act with Heather Loop and her foxy, delicious troop!

$5 Cover.
No Costumes necessary.
Cheap Beer.
Summer drinks.
Lots of Boobs.
Lots of Booty.
Yacht Shachts. The Sophisticated Slide. And some classic boat drinks specials are being brewed - plus actual homebrew (what!!) - start inviting all yer friends people!! It's going down next Friday Night!

and save the date for BORDERTOWN JUNE 3RD

Check out the facebook event

2011-05-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our hero, Reid Stowe, passing under the Manhattan Bridge today. Last year, Reid broke the record for consecutive days at sea without resupply - 1,152 days - and his partner, Soanya, broke the record for longest sea voyage for a woman. They and their three-year-old son, Darshen, just got booted from their docking space in Queens and are looking for a home! If you have ANY leads for where they might find a space in or around Manhattan, please email them at reidstowe@1000days.net.

2011-05-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

Animal Farm Ruled!! (Clear your calendar for our next party, June 3, details TBA.)

More Animal Farm PARTY PICS here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachel_eisley/sets/72157626690207264/

ANIMAL FARM: The Seven Commandments of Animalism BBQ & Dance Party

2011-04-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Time Out's number one party in NYC!!

http://newyork.timeout.com/music-nightlife/nightlife/682433/five-best-parties

Swimming Cities Presents:

A N I M A L F A R M

The Seven Commandments of Animalism BBQ & Dance Party

Friday May 6, 5pm-4a.m.

370 Ten Eyck, between Waterbury and Morgan, Brooklyn

Come early for a real, live afternoon pig roast, robotic petting zoo, swimming pool, lawn chair balloon flights, wife-beater wet T-shirt contest, live bluegrass with "Crooks and Perverts," Frito pie, $3 beers and honey-lemon-pepper-ginger vodka shots. The late show starts at 10pm with a Half Hour of Power® open bar from 10-10:30pm. Stay all night for a dance party with DJ Dirtyfinger.

$5 before 10 or with a costume, $10 after.

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Old Major, Bolshevik Old MacDonald, Greased Pig, Colonel Sanders, Miss Piggy, Mr. ED on Raging Coke Bender, Stalin, Trotsky, Or Lenin in Kremlin Casual, Marx-Engels Hybrid, KGB, Templeton

The Boats Are on the Ganges!!!!

2011-04-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Mike O'Toole unpacked the container today in Fatehgarh, India, near the shores of the Ganges River! This closes one chapter and a very long build/fundraise/ship process...many more chapters to come as Mike scouts the trip on his Royal Enfield and reports back. Way to go Mike and Swimming Cities!!

2011-04-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, come out this weekend and support some members of our collective and many other great artists in this amazing show at the GOWANUS BALLROOM . Lots of great bands DJs and performances friday and sat nights.

SEE YOU THERE

2011-04-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Friday & Saturday April 15-16, 7pm-12am

55 9th Street, Brooklyn

Art + Architecture 2011, a diverse and multidisciplinary exhibition of emerging artists, is comprised of works that examine, question, or outright challenge everyday interpersonal and contextual relationships.

Through the integration of a variety of media including painting, sculpture, video, performance and works on paper, the installation weaves a wide ranging fabric of form and style, which envelops the immense Gowanus Ballroom and transforms the space into a thoroughly interactive experience. This affords both artist and audience a chance to dismantle and construct anew one’s perceived environment. By alternately reinforcing and undermining the suppositions defining social and physical arrangements, the exhibition implores participants to reexamine the boundaries delineating self.

Art + Architecture is being presented in collaboration with Mister ArtSee.

Featuring: Adriana Atema, Aimee Bonamie, Amy Consolo, Ben Wolf, Ben Mortimer, Brian Whiteley, Christina Kelly, Domestic Construction, Douglas Draper, Emma Stern, Felix Morelo, Georgie Flores, Gerri Davis, Heidi Tullman, Jay McDonald, Jason Gandy, Kristin Künc, Lopi LaRoe, Manonce Celestine, Matt Allison, Matthew Silver aka Heartpocalypse, Matt Stolle, Matthew William Robinson, Nathan Maxwell Cann, Nicholas Chatfield-Taylor, Patricia Watwood, Rob Zeller, The Objectionists, Serra Victoria Bothwell Fels, Shannon Gillen & Guests, Tod Seelie, Ursula Viglietta, Vanessa Cronan, and a still growing list others. Please check our featured artists page to learn more about our artists.

There will be live music, performances and a cash bar Friday and Saturday nights.

Performers Include: Shannon Gillen & Guests, Yula & The Extended Family, Apocalypse Five and Dime, Joe Keady and The Royal Garden Jass Band, Crooks and Perverts, Melody Allegra Berger, Morgan O’Kane, Sweet Soubrette, Abby Hertz aka Lady C, and others. A performance schedule can be found below, and will be continuously updated.

SCHEDULE Fridays: 6pm – 12am Performances begin at 8pm Saturdays: 11am – 1am Performances begin at 8pm Sundays: 11am-6pm Video work will be screened throughout the day

ADMISSION Friday, April 8: $5 before 8pm – $10 after 8pm Saturday, April 9: Suggested donation before 8pm – $10 after 8pm Friday, April 15: Suggested donation before 8pm – $10 after 8pm Saturday, April 16: Suggested donation before 8pm – $10 after 8pm Sunday, April 10 and 17: Suggested donation only Viewings by appointment during the week, please contactgowanusballroom@gmail.com

The Boats Arrived in India!!

2011-04-04T10:18:00.001-07:00

Our boats traveled in a 40-foot container across the Atlantic, through the Suez Canal, past Somali pirates and arrived in India today, at the Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai. They will now hitch a train to New Delhi, where Mike O'Toole will receive them, along with our Indian logistics liaison. Welcome to India Swimming Cities, and bon voyage Mike!

hair of the dog party canceled

2011-03-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

sorry folks, hair of the dog is canceled tonight!

the venue pulled out on us at the last minute and we tried very hard to find an alternate space close by but couldn't come up with anything. so so so very sorry we can't party with you tonight :(

HAIR OF THE DOG

2011-03-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

HAIR OF THE DOG

FRIDAY MARCH 18^TH

285 Kent Ave. (right next to Glasslands)

Come sweat out all that green beer and Jameson on the dance floor. We’ve got three of Brooklyns finest thump-makers keeping it bumping all night. Topless Grilled Cheese Sandwiches by Koreapatra and FourLokohantas!! Open bar from 10-11!!! Beer+Shot $5 all night!!!

Music provided by:

DJ DIRTYFINGER (BlackLabel)

DJ Barney Iller (Rubulad)

Haruka Salt (BANANAS!)

7 bucks at the door.

All the proceeds will go to the Swimming Cities India Project.

For more info about the project check out our website: www.weareswimmingcities.org

Swimming Cities Online Auction & Closing Party

2011-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Swimmming Cities presents our Annual Silent Art Auction
at Gallery 151

Closing Reception: February 26, 7pm-1am

featuring Music by
Composer, performer, storyteller SXIP SHIREY
with trumpet & bhangra drum player SONNY SINGH from North Indian dhol 'n' brass band Red Baraat at 8pm
and DJ Joro-Boro from Mehanata 9pm-1am

AUCTION CLOSES AT 11pm (Saturday, Feb. 26)

Online Auction link:
www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=swimmingcities&pwd=india
You can follow pieces and also bid online.
Online auction goes until 7pm Saturday.

The gallery is open 12pm-8pm every day
with additional special programming:

Wednesday 2/23: Double Screening
live screenprinting during the day and film screenings after dark

Thursday 2/24: Yokoloco Bed-In
by two-woman performance art group Chunklundt
with surprise guest stars

Friday 2/25: The Green Death
a play by Forrest Gillespie 9pm-11pm

***************************************************************

www.weareswimmingcities.org
theoceanofblood@gmail.com
orien mcneill (646) 221-7782

***Check out the Brooklyn Pirates afterparty DANCE REVIVAL (21+)***
at 319 Scholes St. in Bushwick (b/w Bogart & Waterbury, Montrose L stop)
f. dj's Fake Money, Feliz Cumbé, Reagonomics, Cobra James, Tinseltown, & Cosa Nostra
**********$10 with password: ocean of blood**********

2011-02-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

GREAT ART GREAT MUSIC GOOD TIMES
ONLINE AUCTION INFO TO COME STAND BY
EXITING SUPRISE SHINANIGANS ALL WEEK AT THE GALLERY
WITH ORIEN AND ANGIE AND YOKO ONO AND YOKO ONO

Swimming Cities Annual Art Auction

2011-02-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hello World!

Our boats are on the ocean en route to India. A huge thanks to everyone who helped us close that shipping container door. Now only 45 days until we see them again, in Farrukhabad!

In the mean time, please come out and support us at our annual silent art auction at Gallery 151, featuring 100 selected works. We will post a full list of artists and schedule of activities in the coming week, but save the dates February 19th and 26th for our opening and closing parties. An online auction will also be available for those of you outside of NYC.

350 Bowery St. Feb 19 & 26. 7pm-1am. Open Bar. Suggested Donation $10.
Sponsored by Original Sin Ciders & Brooklyn Brewery.
February 26 Performance by Sxip Shirey.

Artists include: Swoon, Tom Beale, Duke Riley, ImminentDisaster, Ben Mortimer, Tod Seelie, Ben Wolfe, Andrew Poneros, DickChicken, Conrad Carlson, Monica Canilou, Tony Bones, Malcolm McNeill, Charley Pratt, Jeff Stark, Isaac Aden, Doyle S Huge, Leslie Stem, Lopi Laroe, Katelan Foisey, Iris Stvn Lasn, Catherine Yaeger, Pat Seeley, Zev David Deans, Noah Sparks, Elizabeth Bentley, Nick Normal, Orien McNeill, Ksenjiya, Angie Kang, Ben Devoe, Czak Tucker, Alex Dyke, Virginia Reath, Dan Sabau, David Dowling, Ian Page, Jesse Roadkill Wilson, Tianna Kennedy, Kara Blossoms, Jess DaSilva, Mona Brody, Mayra Cimet Dattoli, Jackie Guido, Giacomo Fortunato, Tom Porter, Kristin Reger, Bucky Cox, and more.

Join our Mailing List for updates. Thanks!

2011-02-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

Swimming Cities Mardi Gras Party!
Thursday, March 3rd
1pm - 5pm
@ Miss Martha's!
1117 Clouet Street, Bywater, New Orleans

Your favorite raft-y friends are in town for Mardi Gras! Come hang with us @ Miss Martha's for some Carnival celebration in a beautiful Bywater backyard and help us fundraise for our Spring 2011 Expedition down the Ganges River in India!

Food/Music/Art & Raffle Prizes!
Cheap Beer & Brunchy Drinks

Suggested Donation $5

Featuring Music By:
Members of Apocalypse Five & Dime (BK)
Marshall LaCount from Dark, Dark, Dark (MPLS / NOLA)
Unicorn Field (ATL)
Christ Lord (ATL)

Big THANKS to Serett!

2011-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

As we pack up our boats to head to India, a BIG THANKS to our Brooklyn grandaddy, Serett Metal Works. Founded in 1997 by Josh Young, Serett is simply the finest metal shop in New York. From their 12,000sf home base in Gowanus, Brooklyn, the Serett crew watched patiently as we learned to weld - slowly - dragged giant boats across the parking lot, explored the Gowanus Canal and generally got in the way. Thanks to everyone who stayed up late to let us in, figure everything out, fix our mistakes and have a blast in the process. For more on Serett, check out www.serett.com. THANK YOU!

2011-01-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

BEST PARTY EVER

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanofblood/sets/72157625943413350/with/5403626798/

tomorrow! Hobo's Paradise

2011-01-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

Swimming Cities and the Chicken Hut present
BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN A Hobo's Paradise!
on January 29 at 169 Spencer St. (at Willoughby)
with live performances by THE WOES, Morgan O'Kane, Apocalypse Five & Dime, and Jackson Lynch, as well as lots of live banjo in the backroom boxcar lounge stage.

Come live the easy life off the fat of our good land with Swimming Cities at the Chicken Hut as we ramble all night with raucous, foot-stompin, soul-shaking, life-affirming, live tunes at the BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN, A Hobo's Paradise. Featuring a live free-to-enter banjo pick-off with hobo-rection-o-meter, a whiskey fountain (free until 10pm), cigarette trees, the biggest pot of slumgullion you ever did see, a first class box car lounge, lemonade springs, hobo awards, dumpster jumping for fabulous prizes and a late-night dirty dance floor with DJ Dirtyfinger. also featuring DJ Tinseltown
$10 at the door, 9pm-late

if you want to enter the banjo contest, e-mail theoceanofblood@gmail.com for details--free entry with banjo and two drink tickets to warm you up before you enter the boxcar stage. bottla whiskey prize!

Poppa Neutrino's Memorial

2011-01-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

A magical night on the Gowanus canal, making and burning a junk raft in memory of Poppa Neutrino. All the best to all the wanderers and waterpeople out there...

More photos at: todseelie.com/poppaneutrinomemorial

NY Times Obit here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/us/28neutrino.html?src=twrhp

Alec Wilkinson on Neutrino here: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2011/01/postscript-poppa-neutrino.html

Poppa Neutrino 1933-2011

2011-01-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Our condolences go out to the Neutrino family at the passing of Poppa. And a big HOORAH! for the great raftman's life. Fair winds and following seas, Poppa.

"Inspired by a documentary he saw when he was twelve years old, in which Australian aborigines periodically burnt their homes and walked away naked, free to start a new life, he teaches triadic thinking and empowerment to people trapped by the concept of job and rent. Thus Poppa Neutrino builds his own homes out of discarded materials on free space (public waterways) and supports himself as a street musician."

HOBO'S PARADISE!

2011-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Swimming Cities and the Chicken Hut present
BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN A Hobo's Paradise!
on January 29 at 169 Spencer St. (at Willoughby)
with live performances by THE WOES, Morgan O'Kane, Apocalypse Five & Dime, and Jackson Lynch, as well as lots of live banjo!

Come live the easy life off the fat of our good land with Swimming Cities at the Chicken Hut as we ramble all night with raucous, foot-stompin, soul-shaking, life-affirming, live tunes at the BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN, A Hobo's Paradise. Featuring a live free-to-enter banjo pick-off with hobo-rection-o-meter, a whiskey fountain (free until 10pm), cigarette trees, the biggest pot of slumgullion you ever did see, a first class box car lounge, lemonade springs, hobo awards, dumpster jumping for fabulous prizes and a late-night dirty dance floor with DJ Dirtyfinger.
$10 at the door, 9pm-late

2011-01-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

WE ARE NOW TAKING OUR BOATS OUT OF THE WATER AND BREAKING THEM DOWN FOR SHIPPING. WE WILL SHIP AT THE END OF JAN IN A FORTY FOOT CONTAINER BOUND FOR THE PORT OF MUMBAI AND THEN OVERLAND TO FARRUKAHBAD. WE WILL BE HAVING A LARGE PARTY ON THE 29TH TO CELEBRATE AT THE CHICKEN HUT IN BROOKLYN "A HOBO'S PARADISE" JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR AN INVITE BY EMAILING US AT theoceanofblood@gmail.com

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

2010-12-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

DJS
DIRTY FINGER (BLACKLABEL)
BARNEY ILLER (RUBULAD)
JAMES STACHE
TINSELTOWN

At the 12,000 sf Gowanus Ballroom (www.gowanusballroom.com)
Friday, December 17, 9pm-late.

250 foot Cubicle Maze, BYOBoss shooting gallery, Secret Santa glory hole, video solitaire tournament, water cooler cocktail bar, team building drinking games, kiss the intern booth, Xerox your butt Christmas cards, office porn peep show, office appliance abuse therapy, business suit bonfire, The Madagascar Institute's 360 degree swing ride, and homemade snow cannons!

Open bar 9-10pm; free shots 3-3:30 a.m.
55 Ninth St, Gowanus, Brooklyn. Smith-9th stop on the G or F.
21+

$10 at the door before 11pm $20 after.
$15 with the following: advance RSVP to theoceanofblood@gmail.com, costume, secret santa gift, groups of 5+ from the same office with business cards, benefits card + resume

Bring YOUR office party to OUR OFFICE PARTY
www.weareswimmingcities.org

photos from the great indoors

2010-12-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for a great party! Here's a link to a flickr set. Please send any photos you want to share to theoceanofblood@gmail.com

THE GREAT INDOORS at GOWANUS BALLROOM

2010-11-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, 11/26, Gowanus Ballroom, 69 9th Street, Brooklyn. F or G to Smith/9th St.

It\'s wilder than the outdoors. Work off your Thanksgiving love handles with Swimming Cities in a 12,000-square-foot indoor adventureland!

Zip lines, hot dog skeet shooting, heated pool, non-conventional exercise machines, croquet, ping pong, dirty uncle pony rides, stationary bike smoothie stand, maple bacon infused liquor

9pm-10pm open bar. 3-3:30am free shots.

DJs Uproot Andy, Dirtyfinger, Smallchange and Burdel Dali.

$15 cover, $10 with costume or Thanksgiving leftovers, $5 before 11pm.

Dress: \"hunting casual.\"

- chances to win fabulous prizes including private tattoo consultations & art by markmarkmarkmark

- costume suggestions include: feral child, gym teachers, silk robes with bandoleros, anything spandex, weekend lumberjacks, TR, ghillie suits, urban sewer crocodile hunter, wild game, civil war reenactment, girls gone noodling (google search that one)

- if you missed our radial launch, come see our boats on the gowanus canal at the event!

2010-11-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

HEY EVERYBODY WE DID IT
THE RADIAL
IS IN THE WATER

THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET

2010-11-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
We are having a small event this weekend at the end of 2nd st. on the Gowanus testing out the finished radial.
love,
Swimming Cities

CHARIOTS OF FIRE

2010-11-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

chariots of fire from Sara Kinney on Vimeo.

Check out the final cut of the Maker Faire chariot races video by Sara Kinney & Marin Tockman! Speed, Danger, & Sabotage!

WE MADE OUR KICKSTARTER GOAL!!!

2010-10-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

A huge huge thanks to everybody who helped us reach our Kickstarter goal! We successfully closed today at $6,000!

Swimming Cities of the Ocean of Blood gives you: The Asses' Revenge at Boutique Studios

Dance to DJ Dirtyfinger and friends or come take a swing at Meghan Keys' revenge pinata with you in the donkey mask taking it all out on a captured hipster pinata wacker! then take a break to stargaze on the roof and enjoy roaming cocktail service.

9pm-4am, Saturday, October 23
$5 cover, $2 PBRs

21 and over. no leaving...until the Ass is Avenged!!!
1089 Broadway, corner of Dodworth
(Above the old Bodega space.)
JMZ to Myrtle, L to Morgan

In other great news, the Death Pong fundraiser raised enough to buy our bottom paint...

Isn't it beautiful? We only get to keep one set, though.

DEATH PONG AND MORE

2010-10-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks To the Death Pongers!

For all of you who could make it to our Last Outdoor Ping Pong Death Match BBQ of the Summer this past weekend - that was an awesome BBQ! Thanks! Serious ping pong magic happened the other night, videos to come. We raised $550 on Sunday, all of which will buy us six very important cans of bottom paint for the boat hulls! Those three boats stacked in the shop are just waiting for the order to come in.

[It's a layer cake of boats!]

And HUGE thanks to everybody who donated and supported our KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!
We're in the final hours and with 101 backers, we are only $435 away from our goal! Thanks to all 101! Please help us make the last hours count and push past our goal! It's all or nothing so our last hours are crucial.

For new and old friends, check out the Make zine blog post by Nick Normal, On the Gowanus We are Swimming Cities:
"New York City is a city of islands (save the Bronx, which is attached to the mainland), and as such, we are >surrounded by water and can only access the boroughs via bridges and tunnels. But for a city of islands, the waterways are not interacted with on a usual basis. Subways that magically appear inside the boundary of each borough are the primary form of transport, and even visits to area beaches are very specific and localized. A large portion of the water surrounding the city — in its rivers and docks — ebbs and flows without awareness.
Swimming Cities seeks to change all of that, both in the Gowanus and on the Ganges, with their art-experiential boats and projects."

In celebration (or bail-out) of our Kickstarter campaign, we are preparing a dance party next Saturday, Oct 23 (1089 Broadway, corner of Dodworth, $5 cover, $2 PBRs). And Pinatas by Llaves Design! Come! And better, yet, if you donate at the $50 level on our Kickstarter, you can get entry for two + two drinks each to this event, PLUS a double bonus entry + PBR each. Yea!

Contact us at our new Google Voice number (917) 740-0863, or send us an e-mail to theoceanofblood@gmail.com. You can also e-mail us to join our mailing list and receive our events newsletters. Thanks!

The Last Outdoor Ping Pong Death Match BBQ of the Summer!

2010-10-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Some recent shots of Swimming Cities activity--the Mayor of Mau Mau Island, bow hinges welded on to our freshly de-barnacled boat, and last but not least... GRINDER!

Come join us tomorrow for:

The Last Outdoor Ping Pong Death Match BBQ of the Summer!

This Sunday, the Bushwick Ping Pong Palace presents two outdoor pong tables, multiple games, all levels welcome, CASH PRIZE for tournament winners! Party to benefit Swimming Cities India raft project (weareswimmingcities.org) starts SUNDAY October 17th at 2pm at 11 Locust St, Bushwick. No cover, dress in your ping pong BBQ best. Crazy Jackass pulled pork sandwiches, $2 PBRs, margarita tornado, film screening, DJ, indoor/outdoor seating, SUNNY skies predicted! Come catch your final rays before the Darkness settles.

Sunday, October 17th
2pm on...
Bushwick Ping Pong Palace
11 Locust Street, Apt #1B
Brooklyn, NY 11206
JMZ Myrtle stop. L Morgan stop. G train to Broadway.

Also, don't forget! Please help us to finish the boats and see them to India! We have five days left and interest or donations of any size are greatly appreciated. We are 75% to our goal of %5,750. Thanks for all your support so far! Please spread the word to friends and family:

live from the gowanus canal!

2010-10-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

we are removing malignant marine life from our boats at serett metalworks! barnacles, tube worms, and the gowanus canal are actually eating away at our stainless steel pontoons! incredible!

if you are in the brooklyn area and would like to visit our build site, call 917-740-0863 to find out our schedule. we work here more days than we don't so you are likely to find us here, right by the smith & 9th st stop. you can come hang out, paint, take pictures, share cake, and see our boats in progress (almost there!)

love,
swimming cities

p.s. superfund superfun!

to support us from the comfort of an environment not overrun by dead barnacles, go here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/swimmingcities/swimming-cities-traverse-the-ganges-2011-finish-th/posts/34093

2010-10-07T19:04:00.001-07:00

Please help us keep going on kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/swimmingcities/swimming-cities-traverse-the-ganges-2011-finish-th

2010-10-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

2010-10-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Our giant fish was returned to its home on the Gowanus canal in response to overwhelming pressure from animal rights groups. I was going to eat it. It made it all the way to the unveiling of JERKO the gowanus vacuum, a water purifying houseboat. There was great music and all manner of boat ruckus.

CATCH AND RELEASER

NYFA, MAKER FAIRE, KICKSTARTER

2010-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hey all, LOTS OF GREAT NEWS

We just got fiscal sponsorship through New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), which means we now have 501(c)(3) status through them. AWESOME!

MAKER FAIRE was a blast--we got blue ribbons for BEST IN SHOW at Madagascar Institute's Chariot Race and EDITOR'S CHOICE from Make. Our radial of boats was assembled for the first time and lots of fun was had by all.

flickr for more pictures
press-wallstreetjournal nytimes brooklyneagle

OMG WE ARE TIRED. AND OUT OF MONEY. PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE PROJECT THROUGH KICKSTARTER SO WE CAN KEEP GOING AND GET TO INDIA.

kickstarter
kickstarter
kickstarter
kickstarter
kickstarter

2010-07-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING CITIES WINS AQUABATTLE

OUR BOAT BELLE TOOK A ROAD TRIP DOWN TO VIRGINIA FOR AQUABATTLE HOSTED BY THE CUTTHROATS AND THE HELLS SATANS, A BUILD AND BATTLE YOUR HOME MADE BOAT EVENT ON THE JAMES RIVER.

2010-07-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

2010-06-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Its been a long two weeks. With the help of an amazing and dedicated crew we managed to build four boats in two weeks completing our radial formation. the boats took their maiden voyage to govenors island and made a (brief) appearance at the Figment festival. Libations we drank. Cities were swam in. See more photos of the build at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanofblood

Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. We love you all!

2010-05-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

2010-05-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

HEY CHECK OUT THE LAUGHING SQUID ARTICLE ON OUR LAST EVENT

THE DUTCHKILLS WEST INDIAN DAY PARADE

http://laughingsquid.com/the-ocean-of-blood-on-newtown-creek/

2010-04-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF OUR LAST EVENT, THE SPRING BREAK MASSACRE AT THE GOWANUS HOTEL BALLROOM THROUGH THE 'PHOTOS' LINK ON OUR WEB SITE.

THANK YOU SERETT METAL WORKS, MADAGASCAR INSTITUTE, RYAN O'CONNOR,IRIS LASN,LOURA MCMILLAN, AND EVERYONE WHO WORKED SO HARD TO PULL IT OFF.

2010-04-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

2010-04-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

2010-04-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

2010-04-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

WATCH THIS BEAUTIFULL MOVIE 8 VIDEO OF THE BOAT LAUNCH
SHOT BY MARIN TOCKMAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlaRxG21wN4

2010-03-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT http://vimeo.com/10531633

2010-03-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

WE LAUNCHED OUR FIRST BOAT AND SHE WORKS GREAT. THANKS EVERYONE FOR ANOTHER GREAT EVENT. CHECK OUT MOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON THE PHOTO PAGE

-ORIEN

art auction photos!

2010-03-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

check out more photos from the auction on our photo page.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanofblood

plus more great pictures of the show from our good friend Tod Seelie @:

http://todseelie.com/oobartauction/

2010-03-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

CHECK OUT OUR WRITE-UP IN JUXTAPOZ

http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/swimming-cities-india-fundraiser-this-friday

2010-03-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

2010-03-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

THE SWIMMING CITIES OF THE OCEAN OF BLOOD EXPRESSES ITS MOST SINCERE GRATITUDE TO EVERYONE WHO MADE LAST FRIDAY'S EVENT SO GREAT, ALL THE ARTISTS AND STAFF AND EVERYONE THAT CAME OUT IN SUPPORT. BETWEEN THE BODEGA EVENT AND THIS AUCTION WE HAVE RAISED VERY CLOSE TO TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS, ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY THE MATERIALS TO COMPLETE OUR FIVE POINT RADIAL FLOATING ISLAND BOAT SYSTEM. MANY MORE EVENTS COMING UP IN THE FUTURE AND EVENTUALLY PARTIES ON THE FLOATING PLATFORM ITSELF IN NY.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FUTURE EVENTS PLEASE SEND US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT

theoceanofblood@gmail.com

2010-02-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

2009-10-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Waterpod This Sunday!!

2009-09-15T10:38:00.001-07:00

Waterpod This Sunday!!, originally uploaded by theoceanofblood.

We're already at 1/4th of capacity! RSVP quick to charmschooldesign at gmail.com to save your spot.

This Sunday 9/20!! RSVP required

2009-09-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Join us at the Waterpod on Sunday, September 20 for our first fundraising event for Swimming Cities: Ocean of Blood... on the Ganges 2010

Event Opens 7pm
Extremely limited capacity...tickets $40. RSVP required.
Open bar cocktails & finger foods
Oldtymie Upbeat Accompaniment by: Apocalypse Five and Dime (brass band), Boomclick, the Manhorse Quartet, DJ Death by Candlelight, and henna tattoos by Kali...

Friends & lovers, join us in your ballroom barge best for a romantic evening of love and liquor and suave sounds in the sexy sustainable environs of the Waterpod, docked at the World's Fair Pier, to watch the sun set on the summer.

Contact alita, charmschooldesign@gmail.com, for ticket info and RSVP. RSVPs close Saturday 9/19.

press kit page 1

2009-09-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

press kit page 1, originally uploaded by theoceanofblood.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Swimming Cities announces our 2010 project: Ocean of Blood. We will host events throughout the fall and winter to raise funds and support beginning with a September 20th Sunset Cocktail Night aboard the Waterpod.

Website: www.weareswimmingcities.org
Press Contact: Alita Edgar, reversibleskirt@gmail.com, 917-306-1187
Blog: www.theoceanofblood.blogspot.com/

Mission Statement:

Ocean of Blood is an upcoming project by the New York City-based art group Swimming Cities. We will embark on a voyage through India in Spring 2010. We begin the journey with the Kumbha Mela festival in Haridwar, and travel on the Ganges River through Uttar Pradesh to our destination city, Varanasi. Our team of artists, mechanics, and performers will collaborate with South Asian artists, musicians and tradesmen to create a fleet of sculptural rivercraft. Once in Varanasi, the separate crafts will link together to form a single vessel and floating stage where we will present a series of performances inspired by the experience of our immersion into Indian culture. The Swimming Cities project and its past incarnation, the Miss Rockaway Armada, have each year explored our historical and societal connection to the rivers and waterways, traveling with handmade rafts, gleaning inspiration, friendship and knowledge. This year's project is the most ambitious and far-reaching yet, as we travel farther from home, and expand to include larger-scale collaborations.

About Us:

Originally founded by visual artist Swoon, the crew of about 30 collaborators has developed over the past five years. Drawn from many arts groups such as the Toyshop Collective, the Madagascar Institute, Cyclecide, the Floating Neutrinos, LEMUR, and from the Bay Area, Minneapolis and New York, the crew includes circus performers, carpenters, artists, mechanics, and musicians. The Miss Rockaway Armada, a flotilla of handbuilt rafts, traveled the Mississippi River in 2006 and 2007. Swimming Cities of the Switchback Sea floated down the Hudson River to New York City in 2008, and as Swimming Cities of Serenissima, from Slovenia to Venice in 2009.

press kit page 2: proposal & route

2009-09-10T08:44:00.001-07:00

press kit page 2: proposal & route, originally uploaded by theoceanofblood.

click through to view large on our flickr!

text:

Proposal & Route:

SWIMMING CITIES is a diverse and evolving collaboration of artists, builders, and visionaries who come together each year to embark on a challenging large-scale project. Originally united through our common friendship and talent by the international artist Swoon, the group traces its roots back to the DIY raft project on the Mississippi River, the "Miss Rockaway Armada." Taking a new waterway each year, the project creates a vivid community of artists floating into towns to present an inspiring, interactive environment that encompasses art, sculpture, music and performance. Each year the Swimming Cities conceives new rafts and builds them with mostly found materials in an organic design process. The multi-layered and uncommon talents of our members inspire us to continuously look for new ways to materialize our style of unique living art.

For our upcoming project, we propose building a fleet of small sculptural rivercraft at the foothills of the Himalayas, in a cultural exchange with local South Asian artists and artisans. Our hand-crafted boats will traverse the Ganges river from Haridwar to the holy city of Varanasi. The journey begins at the rare Kumbha Mela festival, held in Haridwar once every twelve years. This holy festival of the Hindus and Shadu holy men of India is the largest gathering of humans on the planet. We will stop at towns and villages along the way to commission custom embellishments for the boats in the local style.

The Ganges snakes through an abundant farmland, producing largely cane sugar, which we plan to refine into ethanol with a floating still, in keeping with our concern for sustainability. The boats themselves are designed to latch together into formations of five that form a radial star to increase living and working space. This method allows us to create large spaces from the many small ones built to fit through the low and narrow bridges of the Ganges. Propulsion relies on several different ingenious systems using a combination of locally obtained motorcycles to drive paddle wheels, long-tail diesel motors and wind power.

At last, the Ganges will deliver us to Varanasi. Said to be the oldest living city in the world, its vast history is ingrained in the layered patinas of its architecture and culture. On the banks of this holy city, the boats will merge to form a large, floating island theater. There we will present visual and musical events in collaboration with local musicians. This culminating event series allows the builders and crew to engage the people of Varanasi. People and boats will produce an ambitious performance, themed on the experiences of our adventure and the boundless historical and cultural richness of India.

For the first time, we are seeking collaborators in India for creation and building, and for performance. We are also actively seeking support from arts institutions, NGOs and sponsoring organizations. We plan to fundraise our projected budget of $90,000 over the next six months through local events, a fine art auction, and contributions.

March 2010: Arrival in Haridwar for Kumbha Mela festival.

April: Build container arrives at build site in Alahabad. Three weeks of building. Launch at end of April.

May: Arrive in Varanasi. Two weeks performance preparation.

June: Performances begin.

July: Dismantle and pack boats.

Some Recent Press

2009-09-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

An Artists’ Armada to Venice on Ancient Waterways -- crew member Porter Fox for the New York Times

Entropy in Venice -- Jerry Saltz for New York magazine

Barging into Venice -- Vanessa Grigoriadis for New York magazine

propane, propane

2009-09-01T18:27:00.001-07:00

propane, propane
Originally uploaded by theoceanofblood

hawking hot tamales on Shumanci last Saturday. you missed it. or not.

check back for updates on events in the near future.

hello world

2009-08-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

what's good!