Have you been on Mass Ave lately? If so, you may have noticed the bright icon that once shone and swayed is now dark. But don’t fret! I’m here to give you some of the details on where Ann went and how you can help bring her back.
Originally meant to be a temporary installation, Ann Dancing by Julian Opie was officially installed at the intersections of Mass Ave., Vermont St., and Alabama St. along the newly completed Indianapolis Cultural Trail in 2008 and has become an Indy icon ever since. If you are a resident or visitor to Indy, it’s likely that you have stopped at Ann’s corner to snap a video or picture with her as she sways.
Now over a decade later, Ann is in need of some serious upgrades. Imagine spending 10 years swaying to and fro– with technology that wasn’t meant to withstand the unpredictable Indiana weather. (I mean, have you been around the past week?!) It’s kinda like if we all still had our camera flip phones that we thought were so cool in the mid to late 2000s. Ann needs portrait mode, people!
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is looking to raise $262,800 to update Ann’s technology, repairing and refurbishing her as we usher her into the present day generation. A portion of money raised will also go towards ICT operations and a maintenance plan for future art installations along The Trail.
So, if you frequent Mass Ave, have only visited Ann a few times, or if you’re like me and pass her nearly every single day of the week on your daily commute– we need you to help #KeepAnnDancing!
Here’s how you can help
- Donate! $5, $20– literally anything helps
- Join other YPs at a Keep Ann Dancing Happy Hour on June 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Tavern at the Point
- Follow Keep Ann Dancing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Head to Gavel and Coat Check Coffee for a special Ann Latte
- Enjoy an Ann-daiquiri at Hotel Tango
For the next 30 days, Ann will be out of her box and moving around the community, so keep your eye out, you may be seeing her at some upcoming events! (Like IndyVolved!) Want to host Ann at your event or office for the day? Head here to learn more.
Be sure to join The Indianapolis Cultural Trail at the end of June when they host a Keep Ann Dancing Block Party on Saturday, June 29 from 4-9 p.m. at the very intersection where Ann dances! Who knows, if all goes well, we might see Ann Dancing again in the near future…
Laura Granieri is the Director of Communications & Advocacy at IndyHub. She’s always on the lookout for the next social media trend or a unique No Mean City story. In her spare time, you can find her supporting awesome Indy organizations and riding her bike around downtown. @lauraklaurak
