SOUTH BRONX — A lively interactive sculpture resembling a phonograph should start to mark sites along the upcoming South Bronx Culture Trail by this summer.
Community members chose the design by artists Chat Travieso and Yeju Choi among several different possible options for the markers, including historic photos, metal sculptures and clasped hands.
The winning design is called Play Bronx. Its form is inspired by street signs and musical instruments like megaphones and phonographs, and it is meant to be an interactive experience for passersby, incorporating sounds specific to each site along the trail.
The South Bronx Culture Trail is a project meant to honor the dynamic cultural history of The Bronx and make sure that this history is not forgotten. It is being spearheaded by the arts groups Casita Maria, Dancing in the Streets and City Lore.
“When residents are able to connect to the people, places and history of their community, their neighborhoods become vibrant and they are full of pride," said Casita Maria Executive Director Sarah Calderon in a statement. "Chat Travieso and Yeju Choi’s 'Play Bronx' marker design will allow individuals to make this connection and will create joy!"
The first series of markers will be placed at 12 sites that are relatively close to each other to help create a walking tour, with the eventual goal being to place markers at sites throughout and beyond the South Bronx.
The initial sites include:
• Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education
• Hunts Point Palace, a former music venue
• Casa Amadeo, a music store
• 52 Park
• P.S. 52
• United Bronx Parents, a local education advocacy group
• The mural "Homage to the People of The Bronx: Double Dutch at Kelly Street"
• The sculpture "Puerto Rican Sun"
• Boulevard Theater
• Olympic Theater Concert Hall
• The Patrolman P. Lynch Police Athletic League Community Center
• Casalegre Record Store
Casita Maria hopes to finalize the prototype of the trail markers by June or July and start installing them in August.
“We are thrilled about the selection of Chat Travieso and Yeju Choi’s 'Play Bronx' for the South Bronx Culture Trail marker design," said Casita Maria Director of Performing and Visual Arts Christine Licata in a statement. "With their innovative ideas, we can now begin to create trail markers that invite people to interact with the remarkable history of the South Bronx as well as engage with our contemporary artists and local leaders."
