The Backpack Project

For this experimental exhibition, Artspace first distributed over 200 clear vinyl Safety Backpacks to artists, designers, teachers, students, and academics around the New Haven community. Safety Backpacks are see-through bags now mandated in many high-risk schools as an anti-gun and anti-drug measure. On the night of June 14th, everyone returned wearing their packs, each filled up in a different way. After much show and tell and exchange of ideas, everyone hung their backpacks on the walls of the gallery. The response was amazing — people put a great amount of time into this, and we received back some fantastic portable works. Selections from the exhibition traveled to Chicago the following fall.