We here at Van Mildert love a cool crowdfunding project, and when the subject of the crowdfunding is the iconic David Bowie it really doesn’t get a whole lot cooler than that. Check out the campaign to build a permanent David Bowie memorial statue in London.
Whereas most of the crowdfunding projects we have highlighted in the past usually involve the latest piece of technology or what we perceive as a useful invention or idea this really doesn’t fall into any of those brackets.
When David Bowie died, the world lost an irreplaceable talent.
In a fifty year career he blazed a trail that brought joy to millions, changing lives and opening minds. Many of us would not be the people we are, were it not for Bowie.
When David Bowie died, Brixton also lost a son.
Now, in consultation with David Bowie’s team in New York and London, the Brixton community is hoping to build a permanent memorial in the place of his birth......And then some.
Recreating the iconic lightning flash from Duffy’s Aladdin Sane LP cover in gravity-defying red and blue-sprayed stainless steel. This would be a monumental piece of public art (about three storey’s high).
Unexplained, yet utterly familiar; a poignant reminder that life does exist beyond the everyday. That music and art and curiosity are vital, positive contributors to our collective existence.
And the ideal location has already been earmarked…
Five streets away from Bowie’s Stansfield Road birthplace, and situated next to Jimmy C’s internationally famous Aladdin Sane mural – smack-bang-opposite Brixton tube – the memorial will be the first thing most visitors see when they come to Brixton.
In the morning, the rising sun will shine directly on the structure – welcome respite for all us commuters. By night, Brixton Academy/Electric/Windmill gig-goers will be welcomed by a dramatically-lit scene.
Standing across the road from the equally famous Electric Avenue, the memorial will be a defining part of this most iconic neighbourhood.
At once completely out-there and utterly down-to-earth.
Although the project managers’ have set the target at a rather sizable £990,000 it looks to have already captured the public’s interest as in less than 48 hours the total raised has almost reached £40,000, and as the word spreads it is sure to swell.
The project ends at midday on the 21st March.
Naturally with crowdfunding projects there are a great and unusual selection of rewards on offer for potential backers.
To back the project or to find out more information please head on over to the crowdfunder site here.