Client: Houston Theater District
Location: Houston, TX, United States
Completion date: 2023
Artwork budget: $130,000
Project Team
Design, Production, Logistic
Nicolas Synnott
LeMonde Studio
Art Direction
Felix Marzell
LeMonde Studio
Curation
Piper Faust
Piper Faust Public Art
Overview
Step into a world where music and magic meet with Harmonies, a captivating series of interactive music boxes presented by the Houston Theater District in partnership with Lynn Wyatt Square, Market Square Park, and Trebly Park.
With a simple turn of the crank, the music boxes harness the power of human energy to weave mesmerizing soundscapes and illuminate your surroundings with enchanting lights. Harmonies is eco-conscious, requiring no electricity to captivate passers-by and immerse them in a world of wonder.
The multi-site installation features 10 various shapes including a larger-than-life Nutcracker, a guitar-turned-slide, a giant boombox, banjo, violin, a musical note, theater mask, a mic and an elegant harp, each with its own unique soundtrack.
Harmonies is the first activation in a series of placemaking efforts made by Houston Theater District. Through partnership, advocacy, and strategy, the Houston Theater District – a diverse group of arts organizations who perform in the District, businesses, and policy leaders – work collectively to ensure that the Theater District is an active, vibrant, destination for dynamic, world-class cultural experiences.
Goals
Create a dynamic synergy among the seven theaters and two parks located downtown. Enhance foot traffic to the lesser-known areas within the district while spotlighting the talented musicians performing at the theaters. Elevate engagement by introducing a unique, one-of-a-kind activation that surprises and delights attendees. Embrace sustainability by incorporating a 100% off-grid activation, demonstrating our commitment to environmental consciousness.
Process
"Collaborate with 30 diverse musicians to curate 60 captivating live performances to be showcased across all 10 installations throughout the three-month program. Forge partnerships with five distinct buying partners to meticulously select instruments and determine the optimal locations for each installation, ensuring a harmonious blend of artistry and ambiance."