Conflux Festival FAQ
If you still have questions after viewing this page, please contact us at help [at] confluxfestival.org.
Q: What types of events happen at Conflux?
A: Participants in Conflux share an interest in psychogeography. Projects range from interpretations of the classical approach developed by the Situationists to emerging artistic, conceptual, and technology-based practices. At Conflux, participants, along with attendees and the public, put these investigations into action on the city streets. The city becomes a playground, a laboratory and a space for civic action in the development of new networks and communities. Here are examples of events we feature:
- exploratory drifts/dérives on foot or by bike, subway, bus or other transport
- walks with experimental mapping or navigation techniques
- social/environmental/urban research and fieldwork
- workshops and classes
- temporary outdoor installations/interventions
- interactive performance projects
- street games
- mobile-tech/locative media projects
- micro-blogging, micro-radio, podcasting, video-blogging and other broadcast proposals
- alternative use/re-use of public space
- projects proposing alternative/experimental/DIY cultures, economies, communities, and artistic initiatives
- lectures, multimedia presentations and panel discussions
- short film/video works
- live audio/video projects
Q: What are the selection criteria for Conflux projects?
A: The curatorial team is looking for:
Check out last year's projects for reference.
Q: Is Conflux open to international participants?
A: Yes!
Q: Can I submit more than one application?
A: Yes - please just keep in mind that the $10 administrative fee will be required for each application.
Q: Is finding a site for my project completely up to me?
A: Yes, the placement for your project is entirely your decision and responsibility. Projects should be located within the boundaries outlined on the application (approximately within 5 blocks in all directions from the Conflux HQ). The goal is to create a critical mass in a concentrated area so that
attendees can discover and participate in multiple Conflux events. However, if your project takes place another area of New York City (within the 5 boroughs) your application will still be considered.
Q: Do you have any tips for planning my event?
A: If you are a participant, here are some tips for producing a fantastic event:
- Start early: the sooner you get started preparing your project the better prepared you will be for gathering necessary materials and co-ordinating logistics.
- Be resourceful: recruit your friends to help you and use this website as a tool to post further questions and suggestions for the event production, as this can help all participants; consider your connections with school or community groups that might be able to assist you with your event.
- Promote your project: post your participation in Conflux on your website or blog, and use social networking tools such as Facebook, MySpace, etc. For example, use Twitter to post updates on the production of your project, post works-in-progress pictures on Flickr. Show people how your project works on Instructables. Spreading the word early will help to ensure an enthusiastic audience for your event in September.
Q: What is radical self reliance?
A: Inspired by the DIY philosophy of Burning Man, Conflux artists are expected to be self reliant for all aspects of their projects. This means that the Conflux team will not be able to help with securing funding, planning, permits or any other logistics of Conflux events.
There are several venues for rent within the East Village. NYFA is also a great resource for project planning and research.
Q: How will people know when and where to find my project?
A: The Conflux site will feature a short description of your project, the date/time/location and a link to your website. We encourage you to add more detailed project information to your own website.
You can also print and bring flyers about your project to the Conflux HQ in NYU Steinhardt's Barney Building. Remember to put all relevant details (location, exact time, mobile contact info, etc) about your project on your flyer so participants know where and when to find you.
Q: Where can I ship materials/equipment I need for my project to in NYC?
A: Conflux is currently unable to provide a shipping address for materials and equipment for projects. We encourage artists to arrange your own local contact and mailing address.
Q: What are my rights in conducting events in public space?
A: This is a very helpful resource: New York Civil Liberties Union [Know Your Rights]. You may also want to read this: NYPD Anti-Graffiti Initiative. Also, ask other artists and friends who you know work in public space about their experiences and how they've dealt with any issues that have come up.
Q: Can you help me secure materials for my project?
A: No. As a Conflux participant, you'll be responsible for securing any equipment, materials and so on needed for your event. Check out Freecycle and Wastematch. Also, Craigslist has a section for bartering.
Q: Can you provide me with an assistant for my event?
A: Unfortunately not. We have a very small, all-volunteer staff, and while we’ll have several volunteers at Conlux HQ throughout the festival to help everyone, you’ll be responsible for providing any assistants you may need to conduct your event.
Q: Can the festival provide funding for my event?
A: Conflux cannot provide funding, but we may be able to assist in other ways, such as providing a letter of support. The best advice we can give here is to start planning early, and be flexible. Do reach out to friends and other artists for production assistance. You'll be amazed at what you can create with very little funding.Q: Will my project be documented?
Q: Will my project be documented?
A: Part of the spirit of Conflux means that participants and production staff will be taking photos and uploading them to the Conflux website, flickr, and other media. There is no guarantee that your particular project will be documented, but the more you self-promote, the greater the probability of attendance and documentation. You are encouraged to provide your own documentation of your project as well. The Creative Commons license applies to all Conflux content.
Q: Does my project require a permit?
A: As a Conflux participant, you'll be responsible for doing the research and securing any necessary permits for your event. If your project is outdoors and as strong amplified sound, the city REQUIRES a permit. Please do your research. This is a very helpful resource: Obtaining a Park Permit.
Q: Will I have access to other Conflux artists?
A: The Conflux HQ will serve as a hub for all festival activities and participants. We encourage participants to drop by and hang out in the Conflux Cafe. Conflux will host evening parties in the HQ on Friday October 8 and Saturday October 9.
Q: Where can I stay while I’m here for Conflux festival?
A: Some good sites to help find cheap housing are:
Here’s a list of some specific places close to Conflux Headquarters with reasonably priced rooms
- Broadway Hotel and Hostel
- Sky Hotel and Hostel
- Holiday Inn Express
- Lafayette International Hostel
- Glenwood Hostel
- Sun Bright Hotel
- World Hotel Inc.
- SoHotel
- La Semana Hotel
Q: How do I find out what’s happening at Conflux?
A: Check our online schedule for specific events you want to attend, or just come to our headquarters at NYU’s Barney Building on 34 Stuyvesant Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues where you’ll find artists present their work. At the headquarters, you’ll also be able to view the schedule, maps and information regarding projects going on away from headquarters.
Q: Is there public transportation near the headquarters?
A: Yes. Subway is the easiest way to get to the Barney Building, 34 Stuyvesant Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Manhattan. Closest subways are: R to 8th St, 6 to Astor Place, or a 10 minute walk from the many lines located at Union Square.
Q: Is there public wifi available at the headquarters?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I get to Conflux HQ from the airport?
A: Our HQ is located at NYU's Barney Building, 34 Stuyvesant St between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Manhattan. If you are taking a taxi you can print direction from the following links depending on which airport you will be coming from:
- FROM JFK: Directions from JFK
- FROM LAGUARDIA: Directions from LGA
- FROM NEWARK: Directions from Newark
- LaGuardia: Transportation options
- JFK: Transportation options