Step right up and speak your mind!
The Free Speech Machine is available for rental by neighborhoods/arts/non profit organizations, small businesses, corporations and private persons.The Free Speech Machine is an interactive sculpture that investigates the interplay between physical and virtual public space through a wooden soapbox and giant red megaphone. Participants simply step onto the box and pick up the megaphone and begin speaking. A voice-activated recorder installed inside the box records their speeches. Recordings are later uploaded to a blog, widening the audience for the speakers’ speeches.
The Free Speech Machine can be used unattended or with a barker to add atmosphere and instigate participation. Unattended installations work best in indoor locations over longer periods of time (i.e. one week), while attended installations work well with outdoor events and festivals. Use the Free Speech Machine to collect opinions on a specific issue or as a way of finding out what is important to people more generally. The Free Speech Machine helps create a space for expression and civic engagement.
Rental costs start at $250 for an unattended installation and $75/hour with a barker. For an additional fee customized prompts for participants can be developed, or a customized CD of participants’ speeches can be produced for the renter. Contact us for a quote.
