Objective:
Pressure Moderna to release taxpayer-funded research products and knowledge (namely, the safe, effective, life-saving vaccine “recipe”) to the public in order to promote global manufacturing and support efforts to end the pandemic.
The Project:
In creating a twist on this popular holiday carol, this new song deals with themes of social, political, and cultural criticisms that allow us to reflect on topics that call medical research institutions to action and force them to take morality, ethics, and the human condition into deeper consideration.
TRY THIS:
Sing it – even out of season
Revise the lyrics
What worked?
This song offered people a way to not only learn about how Moderna has contributed to the evil perpetuation of the vaccine apartheid, but this also offers people a way to engage in activism though caroling themselves or sharing videos produced by other leadership teams/choirs. With piano sheet music included, any group of people can sing along and add their voices to this platform.
Other Notes:
With the first version of this song focused on a satirical reflection of the state of the world, our second and final version of the song was enhanced with team-based efforts to improve its educational qualities and incite greater public outrage at the moral failings of Moderna as well as other general issues with the way Big Pharma operates in our society.
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A set of instructions exists on how to make this work
- Original files can be provided for exhibition
- The work can be reproduced on site with instructions (provided)
Reflections from Madeline Chung
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
Every voice is powerful, and bringing about positive transformation in the world begins when we start using our voices. Individuals working together in solidarity can find new ways to become empowered, and with the power that is found in numbers, we can create meaningful, lasting changes in society that will enhance the lives of people surrounding us. Think big, and push for the changes that you want to see in the world.
About this project
Creators:
- Madeline Chung, MBE
- Laura Holzman
December, 2021
Image/graphic, Online/web thing, Performance, Print, Video, Writing
United States, Cleveland
11×5 inches
Download Original/High-Resolution File: Free-the-Vaccine-Group-Project.pdf
Objective:
Get Moderna to share its vaccine-production knowledge with the World Health Organization.
The Project:
A poster about the American duty to help ramp up global vaccine production. It stresses the importance of sharing with the World Health Organization taxpayer-funded knowledge about how to make vaccines. It’s inspired by a WWII-era poster by Andrew Wyeth.
TRY THIS:
Print it and post it.
Customize the call to action.
What worked?
It is visually striking!
Other Notes:
It’s hard to pick just one location associated with this piece – it was a collaboration among people based in LA, Pittsburgh/Buffalo, Indianapolis, Maryland, Delaware/Philadelphia, and Boston.
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An original object can be provided for exhibition
- The work can be reproduced on site with instructions (provided)
Links:
Reflections from Daria Bazzi
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
Upon being sent the original image and idea by Laura, I used photoshop to edit the image into a version that communicated what we were trying to express, and made different versions from there based on feedback from the team. Afterwards we set up a google doc for people to use as a resource if wanting to use the image in various formats.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
Art history, design, messaging, different audience perspectives.
What were some of the responses to this work?
Some found it really cool and clever, others were a bit confused by the dated look.
What would be your next steps, building on this idea, if you had a million dollars and all the time and skills in the world?
Maybe a more thorough photoshopping/re-illustrating of the original image to bring home the message even more, perhaps put it on a billboard or in Times Square or something, animate it a bit.
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
Please feel free to build upon it! We provided editable versions of all assets for people to use as they please, I’m sure there are other creative ways and formats to pair with this concept.
About this project
Creators:
- Daria Bazzi
- Laura Holzman
- Kisha Patterson
- Vandhana Reddy
- Maanasa Gurram
- Jaya M.
- Parthu K.
December, 2021
Image/graphic, Online/web thing, Print
United States, Los Angeles
36 x 24 inches, variable
Objective:
With this Jonas Salk sketch we would like to encourage you and as many other people as possible to print out the sketch and take a picture of Jonas Salk in front of a landmark, a place special to you or a beautiful place in your surroundings. Much like the extremely successful Flat Stanley project more than 25 years ago. By spreading the word on social media, you can encourage others to do the same, help carry on Salk’s legacy, and remind people of a role model who prioritized people’s well-being over profit.
The Project:
We have depicted Jonas Salk in his role as a role model in vaccine development and distribution in a cartoon-like drawing. This eye-catching and charming design is intended to help spread Salk’s scientific and philosophical spirit and create a distinctive recognition value.
TRY THIS:
Make your own Flat Salk and help him visit your favorite places.
Share it on social media #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
What worked?
All the wonderfully kind and human values of Jonas Salk can be perfectly reflected in a cartoon-like style.
Other Notes:
1) Print the sketch
2) Glue it on cardboard or thicker paper
3) Cut out the outline of Jonas Salk
4) Take a picture with the cutout in front of a landmark, a place important to you, or a beautiful place in your neighborhood
5) Share the photo on social media and get more people to do the same
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A set of instructions exists on how to make this work
- An original object can be provided for exhibition
Links:
- Flat Salk images and directions on the Jonas Salk Fan Club site
- @FlatSalk on Twitter
- @FlatSalk on Instagram
Reflections from Calvin Dunker
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
Since other drawings in this cartoon-like style had already been created by unrelated projects, all that was needed was an agreement on the elements that would appear. The many iconic images of Salk as a scientist during the successful approval of the vaccine served as a rough template.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
Mareike Bielok was responsible for the drawing and the underlying cartoon-like style. Calvin Dunker prepared the rough concept and the elements to be displayed.
What were some of the responses to this work?
Very positive feedback and already first photos in front of landmarks.
What would be your next steps, building on this idea, if you had a million dollars and all the time and skills in the world?
Produce an animation series with cartoon Jonas Salk traveling around the world. Organize airplane banners covering all the beaches in the world. Pay very famous people who can’t be convinced by the message behind the image to share pictures of themselves, the Jonas Salk cutout and famous landmarks on their social media channels.
About this project
Creators:
- Calvin Dunker
- Mareike Bielok
March, 2021
Germany, Munster
3024 x 4032 pixels
Download Original/High-Resolution File: Salk-.png, Salk-Outline.png
Objective:
Encourage conversation around the vaccine and how UCLA can help make that happen.
The Project:
Poster featuring the UCLA Bear mascot and a mock up of a magazine cover to encourage UCLA to help Free the Vaccine.
TRY THIS:
Make it specific to your community.
What worked?
Strongly featured UCLA.
About this project
Creators:
- Crane Squad
December, 2020
United States, Los Angeles
10inchesx14inches
Link to Original or High-Res file
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Crane Squad
Objective:
Draw attention to the craziness of how our pharmaceutical systems work.
The Project:
Cards Against Humanity Parady
TRY THIS:
Make your own set.
Riff on another game.
What worked?
A fun, playful way to point out serious issues.
About this project
Creators:
- Robins Squad
December, 2020
United Kingdom, London
4×5 inches
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A set of instructions exists on how to make this work
Reflections from Robins Squad
Objective:
To connect the current pandemic to the legacy of Jonas Salk
The Project:
An essay about the history of loss, and the importance of a free vaccine.
STRATEGIES:
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Write an essay for a local publication.
What worked?
I really liked how the pictures and the essay made it more personal.
About this project
Creators:
- Kisha Patterson
November, 2020
United States, Pittsburgh
8 1/2 X 11
Download Original/High-Resolution File: Vilomah.edited.201119.docx-1.pdf
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Kisha Patterson
Objective:
We wanted to make our targets aware of the Free the Vaccine campaign and the Open COVID Pledge. We invited them for a conversation with us.
The Project:
The Thank You Cards were sent out to researchers as an appreciation of their work and efforts in investigating COVID-19. The Free the Vaccine campaign and the Open COVID Pledge was then introduced with a text tailored towards the recipient.
STRATEGIES:
TRY THIS:
Print it and send it!
What worked?
The Thank You Cards highlight the important work that the researchers have been doing, thanking them for their efforts without pressuring them.
About this project
Creators:
- Simbie Yau
- Heloise Widdig
- Magali Heijkoop
- Defne Zuhal Yorgancioglu
- Katharina Wolfenstetter
November, 2020
Hungary, Budapest
1890 × 2522 pixels
Download Original/High-Resolution File: Thank-You-Card-1.jpg
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Katharina Wolfenstetter
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
We wanted to find a way to contact our targets that wasn’t just an email.
Kasia told us about her lab’s action from season 1, where they identified “Covid research champions” and sent letters to thank them for their work and bring their attention to the Open Covid Pledge. We decided this would be a great way to contact our targets.
We discussed the fact that people love to get compliments and positive feedback about their work and how this would be the best way to our targets into a conversation. Starting a conversation on a negative note is likely not to be effective.
We decided to design a Thank You card with a bright and snappy message on the front and a simple, tailored letter on the other. In the tailored letter we referred to their specific work, achievement, and institution.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
Simbie worked on the artistic input and brought together the amazing layout. The other collaborators worked on the targeting of specific researchers.
Objective:
Find a visually compelling way to share a powerful message that other Free the Vaccine participants wrote. The text was initially drafted to motivate Columbia University to sign the Open Covid Pledge but we realized that it could also help a broader audience recognize the importance of making Covid tests, treatments, and vaccines as widely accessible as possible.
The Project:
Printmakers working with the Center for Artistic Activism designed this poster based on text that other Free the Vaccine members wrote in summer 2020.
STRATEGIES:
TRY THIS:
Print it and post it.
Design it differently.
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
What worked?
Building on someone else’s ideas instead of starting from scratch – it’s a great example of Free the Vaccine’s iterative process.
Other Notes:
There are four variations in this series of Risograph prints. Each version was printed in an edition of 50 at Eureka! House in Kingston, NY. They were created to travel with the physical version of this exhibit.
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An original object can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Free the Vaccine for Covid-19
About this project
Creators:
- Willa Goettling
- Mary Tremonte
November, 2020
United States, Poughkeepsie
11 x 17 inches
Objective:
1) Create irresistible imagery for a media campaign to work towards our larger goal of having the University of Pittsburgh to Sign the Open Covid Pledge. 2) Raise awareness about Dr. Salk’s connection to vaccine research and open Intellectual property to the greater public. 3) Create a fun and timely halloween-centered work of creative activism
The Project:
Invoking the ghost of vaccine researcher Dr. Jonas Salk, we created humorous gravestones that echo his perspective about vaccine patents when asked about the polio vaccine he developed in Pittsburgh – “could you patent the sun?” Then we dressed up as Dr.Salk and distributed these gravestones (with linked QR codes to learn more) all over The University of Pittsburgh campus where current COVID-19 vaccine research is being done to encourage the same openness and support for a peoples vaccine that is the university’s legacy.
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Channel the Ghost of Salk in your community.
What worked?
The creative community process! As a lab, the Juncos worked across different cities with different backgrounds to make this happen. Once we did this action we were empowered to keep going and this led to many more actions and activities in our efforts to get the University of Pittsburgh to sign the Open Covid Pledge.
About this project
Creators:
- Joseph Amodei
- Kisha Patterson
- Laura Holzman
- Lyam Gabel
- Erin Roussel
- Elin
October, 2020
Image/graphic, Installation/Intervention, Online/web thing, Performance
United States, Pittsburgh
various
-
A set of instructions exists on how to make this work
- An original object can be provided for exhibition
- Original files can be provided for exhibition
- The work can be reproduced on site with instructions (provided)
Reflections from Joseph Amodei
What were some of the responses to this work?
People were really excited about the halloween timeliness of this work! It even spurred collaboration with another lab across the country (where Salk’s actual gravesite is) and resulted in more exciting imagery and proliferation of this people’s vaccine ethos.
What would be your next steps, building on this idea, if you had a million dollars and all the time and skills in the world?
If there is no people’s vaccine next year (as in no promise to share the IP and the manufacturing technology of current vaccines with the rest of the world for free), then I would make the scale of this 1000x this first iteration to really draw attention to the harm that vaccine profiteering causes to the wider world outside of the USA and other wealthy (via extracted labor and colonialism) countries. In short, to continue to summon and make proud the spirit of Dr.Salk.
Objective:
To educate the public and advocate for a People’s Vaccine.
The Project:
A rally to mourn loss, celebrate life, and encourage our institutions to do better and provide a People’s Vaccine.
TRY THIS:
Make it specific to your community.
Organize one where you live.
What worked?
Images from the Funk Rally made it into national and international news.
Other Notes:
We started with a New Orleans Jazz-style funeral to mourn the overwhelming loss of life and then transitioned to a festive rally inspired by DC-based Go-Go music and 1970s fashion.
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Links:
Reflections from Tayyiaba Farooq
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
The Funk Rally came out a need to represent the grim seriousness of the campaign and Trump’s failure are president to adequately combat the pandemic while also painting a picture of hope for the future. At first organizers had wanted to keep the tone very serious and somber, but together with other ally organizations we can up with theming of Funk and imagery from the 70s. The rally was also adapted from a traditional New Orleans Jazz Funeral where they do not only mourn the end, but celebrate the very concept of life. The inspiration of this went in to the color of parade decorations, the lab coats with flowers and inspirational quotes, as well as the displaying local music culture. Altogether we were able to create something that was full of life and solidarity for our community. The approach we had taken to demanding action on ending the pandemic and ensuring an accessible vaccine was unique to our rally and was derived from the principles of creative activism. This out of the box approach had really gotten the attention of people that would have not otherwise cared. It was a great example of ally organizations coming together to make something positive, and from my perspective really launched the idea of vaccine accessibility at the University of Maryland.
What were some of the responses to this work?
People were able to dance in the street, create a beautiful mural at the end, and receive positive attention from onlookers and those who featured us in the press. The imagery produced from the campaign is still being used, and just goes to show the impact this one event has had on the campaign at large.
About this project
Creators:
- Free the Vaccine for Covid-19
October, 2020
United States, Washington
Varies