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:
Playfully encourage those who are mildly vaccine hesitant (not anti-vaccine) because of fear, concerns about it not being “natural” or are just more familiar or more comfortable with wellness language. Also to model a more lighthearted way of engaging for those who are on the same side.
The Project:
A series of 10 images that talk about vaccines using the jargon and aesthetic of “wellness.”
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Make it specific to another community.
What worked?
What I think is funny is rarely what large populations think is funny, but apparently this resonated with a lot of people. It’s by far the most popular thing I’ve ever posted on instagram, by a factor of 7 in the first 48 hours. It was re-posted on some other accounts and in total over 11,000 people liked it, which means many more saw it.
Other Notes:
I have a history of irritation with scams, pseudoscience, the idea that things are “natural” or “unnatural”, etc. I’d also recently listened to an episode of Maintenance Phase about the “Wellness to QAnon Pipeline” that was still rattling around in my head.
Friends like Merith Basey, Stephen Duncombe, Jean Raillia, Dread Scott, and others saw early drafts and gave me some helpful feedback, which is how it got less mean.
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Links:
Reflections from Steve Lambert
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
It was an idea I had late one night, made a note, and then couldn’t get it out of my head. It started with “wouldn’t it be funny if…” and I made an initial image as a proof of concept. Then I shared that image with a few friends and they reacted positively, so I kept honing it.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
The first draft ended with “GET FUCKING VACCINATED! You privileged, self-centered, cockwombles!” Merith taught me the word cockwomble. But mostly the collaborators relayed that they thought it could work well without the turn at the end. I thought maybe it would make it more cathartic and funny, but I think leaning the other direction helped it work.
What were some of the responses to this work?
It went crazy on Instagram.
“This is the funniest shit I’ve seen in so long I love it 😂 so good!!!”
“I told my friend Michael from @bedsideroundz this was the best satire piece I’ve seen this year. 🏆🏆🏆”
“I love this so much ❤️❤️🙌🙌 I his is incredible and worded in a way I would have loved to but have always been to angry to express without sounding like I’m on the attack 😂”
“For some reason, it was the picture of avocados that made me laugh. This is so silly and so good 😂👏👏👏”
There’s also comments on the post, tremendously positive.
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?
Make print brochures to take to health food stores. Make cheesy video commercials and put them on tv and online.
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
Free stock photos and the right font are your friend. Work fast. There was a point in the middle I wasn’t sure it was funny at all because I’d been working too closely for too long. So keep testing with other people if it’s funny because you may not be able to know.
Also, I got an unexpected amount of comments. The straight up misinformation I would write a slam-dunk response to or just delete it. Some people asked legit questions. You can get a sense of how I handled it in the comments, but I also wrote up a summary for a friend that I can share too – reach out if needed.
About this project
Creators:
August, 2021
Image/graphic, Online/web thing
United States, Poughkeepsie
1600px Square
Objective:
Create a compelling image that will be shared and get us into the press, thus creating additional popular pressure to get Joe Biden to sign the TRIPs waiver.
The Project:
A banner for the Care Bear brigade to hold up at the DC event in May of 2021.
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Make your own!
What worked?
I find it hilarious.
Other Notes:
It will be held up by people in Care Bear costumes in front of the White House.
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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)
Links:
Reflections from Steve Lambert
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
Merith had the Care Bear idea. She asked me to help to make the banner. I asked her for a sketch, which helped speed things along. I had to do this quickly, so the outline gave me a starting point.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
I’ve had to turn images into vector art to scale up before. This means smooth lines instead of more jaggedy pixelated look. Someone could do a better job at vectorizing this art, but it will look good enough from 10 feet or so and we got it done. After that I tweaked the colors to match Free the Vaccine for COVID-19’s colors. Then added the text.
What were some of the responses to this work?
Everyone who has seen it smiles.
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?
Make some bears and send them to every member of congress!
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
You can print this large scale for cheaper than you’d think. Or re-use elements and make a different kind of sign. Sharing is caring!
About this project
Creators:
May, 2021
United States, Poughkeepsie
3ft H by 10ft W
Download Original/High-Resolution File: care-bear-banner.pdf
Objective:
Create and get 200 “card carrying members” of the Jonas Salk Fan Club by end of the third season of Free the Vaccine for COVID-19.
The Project:
Membership cards for the Jonas Salk Fan Club. The card says that the cardholder “believes life-saving medications are public goods to be shared with the world, not witheld for corporate gain, and is hereby duly recognized as a registered, lifetime member of the International Jonas Salk Fan Club.”
TRY THIS:
Join the Jonas Salk Fan Club and get your own card.
Start a membership group for something you care about.
What worked?
There’s a consistency across all the Jonas Salk Fan Club kit that makes it feel like a set.
Other Notes:
I just riffed off the Jonas Salk Fan Club Sticker I made earlier in the week.
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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)
Links:
Reflections from Steve Lambert
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
You can print business cards very cheaply most places in the world. Don’t hesitate, just have them made and start handing them out. Keep 10 or 20 in your pocket or bag so you can give them away!
The Jonas Salk Fan Club pins are a great way to attract attention and recruit new members!
About this project
Creators:
April, 2021
United States, Poughkeepsie
2 x 3.5 inches
Download Original/High-Resolution File: Jonas-Salk-Fan-Club-Card.ai_-1.zip
Objective:
The objective of this tactic was to get at least 15 people educated/involved per flyer put up by either scanning the QR code or taking a slip.
The Project:
This flyer uses the template of a Missing Person flyer to draw attention, and then seeks to quickly educate people regarding patents and pharmaceutical corporations. The QR code links to the Free the Vaccine website, and the slips on the bottom are a location-specific number (in this case, a California senator).
TRY THIS:
Make it specific to your community.
Report the missing vaccine.
What worked?
We are still in the testing phase of putting these flyers up, but will update on how it goes! 🙂
Reflections from Daria Bazzi
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
Everything from bolding certain words, adding a shared value statement (“Everyone Deserves a Shot!”), making sure I specified Covid-19 vaccine, changing “Pharmaceutical Companies” to “Pharmaceutical Corporations,” the idea to make slips people could take, and more, all came from others who took the time to give me great feedback!
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
I would love it if people in different locations changed the number on the slips to make it more location-specific, and if they thought a link to another website would be more effective in their community, I would recommend they change the QR code, as well! Also, translation of the text might be in order to get the message across more effectively.
About this project
Creators:
- Daria Bazzi
- Heloise Widdig
- Carly Besser
- Defne Zuhal Yorgancioglu
- Franziska Gartner
- Rachel Gita Karp
- Shivesh Shourya
March, 2021
United States, Los Angeles
2550 x 3300 px
Download Original/High-Resolution File: MissingVaccine_Flyer_v04_BIG.jpg
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:
This series of GIFS aims to tell his story, bring it to (animated and digital) life and bring the gigantic legacy of vaccine titan Jonas Salk into the current debate
The Project:
Jonas Salk is a hero of vaccine development. He helped bring the polio vaccine to live. When he was asked about who should own the patent on this discovery, he answered “Well the people I would say – Could you patent the sun”.
This series of GIFS aims to tell his story, bring it to (animated and digital) life and bring the gigantic legacy of vaccine titan Jonas Salk into the current debate
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Make your own!
What worked?
Just how amazingly Jonas Salk’s portraits are GIFable. Very successful winks etc.
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An original object can be provided for exhibition
- Original files can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Peter GIFy
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
Extensive search for GIF making software, finding images of Jonas Salk, being creative.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
Very contemporay knowledge on GIF making browser software
What were some of the responses to this work?
Likes and retweets.
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?
Buying aire time on billboards at NYC times square,
striking a deal with JCDecaux to display these GIFS as digital posters on all bus stations across the world.
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
Try different texts, be more provocative, maybe consider TikTok or (oldschool) a flipbook?
About this project
Creators:
- Peter GIFy
March, 2021
Germany, Berlin
400×400
Download Original/High-Resolution File: salk_squint_text.gif, sad_text_2.gif, 6326404A-8416-11EB-B757-16F91FFA6CF3.gif, photos.gif, 05901904-8413-11EB-A066-1635AF64B68B.gif, 91351398-8412-11EB-8305-0E2C7966F80F.gif
Objective:
The objective of the work was to find a playful and timely way to encourage people to head to the free the vaccine website and support the open covid pledge by signing it.
The Project:
The Kookaburra group created a giant inflatable syringe in season 1. At the end of this season we turned the action of blowing it up into the performance. Dressed in Santa and elf costumes we set up a santa’s workshop down by the Yarra River. In the video you will see Santa and the elves busy building a giant inflatable syringe to fulfil an Xmas letter to Santa. Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a free vaccine big enough for the whole world!
TRY THIS:
Make it in your community.
Connect with another holiday.
What worked?
The crowd engagement was an unexpected highlight. We had a group of children helping with one of the guy ropes as we controlled the giant puppet like syringe. They asked some fabulous questions and were really curious. My favourite comment came from a child only about 10 years old: is this an Elon Musk project?
About this project
Creators:
- Tessa Marshall
- Greg Giannis
- Zan griffith
December, 2020
Australia, Melbourne
video of an action
Link to Original or High-Res file
Other Notes:
The syringe was made by Greg Giannis in Season One. I thought it was a feat of engineering. He removed his car battery to power the inflation.
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Links:
Reflections from zan griffith
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
This work was building on the work done in Season 1. In Season one, Greg and Tessa built an inflatable syringe but due to Melbourne lockdown never got an opportunity to launch it. This Christmas themed work was the second time the syringe had been launched and it was also the first time all participants had met in person. The Christmas theme was a way to package up the filming of the syringe in a playful and timely manner.
What skills or perspectives did the collaborators bring to this?
All the collaborators brought a sense of fun and flexibility to the action. Greg Giannis was the mastermind behind the inflatable syringe. With his background in engineering he created it so that it could be inflated from the power of a car battery. Tessa Marshall as a medical doctor created the brochures that we handed out at the action. Zan, who loves a ‘dress tip’ organised the signs and costumes.
What were some of the responses to this work?
We had a lot of interest from children and in the process of inflating the syringe we drew quite a crowd.There was a definite sense of fun and curiosity from the crowd. the video of the event was edited and put on instagram with positive responses.
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?
A Giant Syringe Blimp to tour over major cities. (e.g. the skywhale hot air balloon by patricia piccinini)
If someone else were going to make/use/do something like this, what advice would you give them?
It would have been great to have a few more hands on deck so that during the inflation of the syringe we could have had people talking with the crowd about our objectives. We were so busy with the handling of the syringe this opportunity was missed.
Objective:
Matthew McConaughey is the face of the University of Texas (UT). He is a professor there and often seen in the university’s marketing materials. Since our team has been struggling to get any professors, staff, or even student leaders from UT to respond to our emails, letters, and phone calls about the Open Covid Pledge, we have decided to shift our target focus to McConaughey, who is fairly active on social media. We have been bombarding him with memes as well as this parody of his Lincoln commercial. Our objective is to get McConaughey to endorse the pledge, adding pressure on UT officials to sign it!
The Project:
A parody of Matthew McConaughey’s Lincoln commercial. Instead of McConaughey endorsing Lincoln cars, we’ve dubbed the video so he is rather selling the Open Covid Pledge.
STRATEGIES:
TRY THIS:
Share it on social media. #FreeTheVaccine #PeoplesVaccine
Make a version for your community.
What worked?
Our actor who does the Matthew McConaughey impression nailed it! The editing in general is really good, for instance the dubbing is timed well and we even added a more hopeful-feeling music score!
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Links:
Reflections from Dannie Snyder
About this project
Creators:
- Dannie Snyder
- Ross Blackburn
November, 2020
United States, Austin
1280×720
Objective:
Dar a conocer la campaña y demostrar cuan alto puedo llegar
The Project:
Es un acto simbólico hecho de manera creativa con materiales reciclables.
STRATEGIES:
TRY THIS:
Make one!
What worked?
Dar a conocerlo,
About this project
Creators:
- Maria Fernanda Figueredo Sierra
November, 2020
Installation/Intervention, Print
Colombia, Villavicencio
60×45
Download Original/High-Resolution File: 20201124_120148.jpg
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Original files can be provided for exhibition
Reflections from Maria Fernanda
What was the process/journey of creating this work?
Conseguir los materiales para su creación e idear la manera enla que quedara mejor