RED SWING PROJECT

The Red Swing Project anonymously hangs red swings in public places inspiring playfulness around the world.

In 2007, the Red Swing Project was founded with the hopes of positively impacting under-utilized public spaces in Austin, Texas.    All it took was a simple red swing to transform a vacant lot or highway overpass into an unexpected playground.

Over the years, nearly 200 red swings have “mysteriously” appeared throughout the USA, India, Thailand, Brazil, Taiwan, South Korea, France, Spain, Portugal, Haiti and Poland. With each swing, particular attention is paid to the public’s response to this familiar object set in an unfamiliar place.  The New York City park official who diligently removes a red swing is equally as compelling as the New Orleans elderly who welcomes its arrival.  

The project hopes to inspire and empower others to take control of their public environment by offering an open-source project that is entirely replicable. (http://www.redswingproject.org/get-involved/how-to)

This Spring, Austin Art Alliance commissioned the Red Swing Project to install numerous swings throughout downtown Austin.  Look for more swings in a city near you!