“Ain’t no power like the power of the people and the power of the people don’t stop!” Take the vibrancy of that familiar chant and turn it into art and you get a flavor of what happened recently.
The Service Employees International Union, a labor union representing nearly 2 million workers in the service economy, convened in Philadelphia for their 2024 SEIU International Convention. This historic gathering of the service workforce who met to debate and vote on the plan that will guide their Union’s work over the next 4 years. Just before the start of the convention, the members organized and participated in a march and rally to call for economic justice and unions for all.
Big Bowl of Ideas was proud to create the large-scale public art installations that framed the space where the rally was held – Independence Park, a most American lawn near the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
We did extensive research into public spectacles around the world and led a series of ideation sessions which resulted in several distinct concepts. Ultimately, SEIU chose to pursue a concept we called “Worker Power Wonderland” which included the Arco de Resistencia, Megaphone Locs Wedge, and Soap Box Videoscape. All to convey the color, joy, and dynamism of a modern workers movement driven to create a world where everyone can join a union. We collaborated with seven artists and designers to create and produce these works. These works show how culture is a communicator and connector.
Arco de Resistencia
We were particularly excited to see workers interact with the 30 foot arch we designed, among other components we created that we call ‘Arco de Resistencia.’ It included hundreds of images and illustrations that celebrate the strength, beauty, diversity, and pride of the workers fighting for economic justice for us all. Towering over the street, it was a sight to behold for its sheer size, but also for its attentive and artful detail. The powerful icons were carefully curated by BBOI, and then artfully incorporated into the installation by the LA based interdisciplinary artist and frequent collaborator, Stephanie Mercado. Her artwork and artistic practice are centered on workforces, manual labor, and empowerment. The icons were inspired by lived experiences, cultural references, and the fusion of traditional printmaking with experimental practices. Her panels marked the front facade of the Arch and complimented the dynamic graphic design work of one of our designers on the back.
Megaphone Locs Wedge
When we learned that there were height restrictions imposed by the National Park Service for any art installations placed on the lawn, we needed to get creative to design an installation that would not be too tall but still pack a visual punch. We created a 10 x 20 foot installation designed to amplify the message of “Unions for All” and the core values of the union spelled out in 13 languages. On the front we furthered the message by filling the letters with a powerful image of an organizer calling out the vision where every worker can join a union. Members were drawn to the vibrant image on the front and resonated with the image of the sun made up of union values in multiple languages. Members felt seen and included in the diversity that was embraced and centered by this installation.
Soapbox Panels Videoscape
After the march, the convention opened with the joyful movement of Rennie Harris Puremovement Dance Theater Company. It was cool to see how the dancers were able to use a videoscape we created to connect their dance with the movement of union members. In collaboration with the talented Mer Young, we gave a vibrant pop art treatment to 36 worker photos, wrapped them in inspirational messages, and set it to an infectious beat.
Union members were instinctively drawn to the art and messages we helped promote. As one member who posed by the Megaphone Locs Wedge said it best, “Art helps us talk about serious things.” We were proud to get the conversations going and loved seeing how our art and design supported and amplified the voices of workers – especially in new areas of organizing like Fast Food workers, Starbucks workers, and those uniting voices in the South.
We did this work in collaboration with visionary clients, fabricators, artists, and designers. So special shout outs to the leadership of SEIU and the managers of the convention for having the foresight to weave art into action and amplify the diverse voices of workers. And thanks to ESM for their work in bringing the designs and art to life through fabrication.
The works described above are perfect examples of the kinds of artistic collaborations BBOI gets down with everyday to amplify the messages and stories that move hearts and minds.
Worker Power is truly a beautiful thing.
