The Concept of "Observe Dallas 2015"

To inject the art of Street Photography/Photojournalism into the spotlight in a part of the country where we believe there is real opportunity for it to be highlighted, and expressed as a viable form of art.

The dates for the project will be between April 6th and May 31st, 2015.  We will be putting up 8 prints of images all shot in downtown Dallas, ranging in size from 40' x 40' to 40' x 60'.  These huge photographs will be downtown for everyone to see, each print having its own week of attention and press release.  As far as Dallas art history is concerned, this will be a first and will truly be historic.  I have been in talks with the Dallas Museum of Art about donating the prints to their archives after the project is complete, as it will inevitably become a part of Dallas history as a whole.  This is also an inclusive project that will involve anyone and everyone downtown.  In all subsequent press, it will be encouraged to all living in, working in, or visiting downtown Dallas to take photos and then post online using the hashtag #ObserveDallas2015, thereby creating a massive community of observation and recognition of Street Photography.

It will also highlight film photography as well in the process, as 7 of the 8 images being printed were shot using Tri-X and Kodak Portra.  The ultimate goal is to make this an annual event that attracts street photographers from around the world to participate in.  Unlike other "street photography" festivals where you have to apply to have your images seen, anyone can be a part of this and will be a first for photography anywhere in the world.

The prototype for this project was done last August (2014) with Observe Dallas 2014.  The premise was similar but was done a little differently.  To see it, go here- Observe Dallas 2014

The buildings participating in Observe Dallas 2015 (in order of exhibition) are:

1. 211 N. Ervay

2. 800 Main

3. 500 S. Ervay

4. 325 N. St. Paul

5. 601 Elm

6. 500 S. Ervay

7. 325 N. St. Paul

8. 211 N. Ervay

What We Need & What You Get

What we need is as much help in spreading the word and raising funds as possible.  It should be known that I am doing this at zero profit to me, not one penny.  In fact, I am pulling $28,000 out of my own savings to help fund it.  Here is the breakdown:

• The TOTAL COST of the project is going to be $88,000, including materials and installation costs.

• The goal of this campaign is only $60,000 of that, as I am paying the rest out of my own pocket (see above).

• Out of the $60,000 needed, $42,758.75 is for the installation costs.  We will be renting a crane lift and will be drilling into the buildings to secure placement.

• The remaining $17,241.25 will go towards the total cost of the printing, which is $45,000.  The balance will be paid by me out of pocket.

• Perks are to the right ----->

Risks & Challenges

Before I even started to contact the press I wanted to make sure that all things were ironed out before hand.  Of course, there are always unforeseen challenges, but all of the major roadblocks have been cleared.  Below are the key accomplishments:

• Approval has been granted, in writing, by ALL buildings participating.  All building owners are aware and really excited.

• Permission from the City of Dallas has been granted, in writing, after a challenging 11 week process and going through 3 different depts.

• Bids have been filtered out for both the printing side and the install side, with a back up company for each just in case.

• There is an Umbrella Liability insurance policy for 5+ million that will cover everything.

• 24 hour security will be hired to watch over prints while up and running.

• The local press has been contacted and I have already been interviewed about it, so they are ready to go in support of this event.  They are waiting for word from me as to when this crowdfunding campaign begins, so they can help promote.

About Me

I am a photographer in Dallas whose range varies from Documentary Photojournalism to Abstract to Minimalism. My work is in several private and public collections across the country and commissions include those by The Meadows Foundation, Centers for Community Cooperation, Harvard Law School, Student Conservation Association, Children’s Medical Center (Oncology), Children’s Cancer Fund, Angelflight, Notre Dame School for the Mentally Ill, Austin Street Homeless Shelter, and several others over the years.

Publications include those by D Magazine, International Business Times Weekly (New York), The Wall Street Journal, The Dallas Observer, D Magazine.  I was chosen twice in 2014 by Magnum Photos for a Masterclass out of an international pool of applicants, in which I studied and worked under Moises Saman, Abbas, and Jonas Bendiksen.  

Both resulted in exhibitions in each respective city (Sao Paulo, Brazil and Reggio Emilia, Italy).

To see some of my work, go here- Fan Page

Personal Website is here- Richard Andrew Sharum

Other Ways You Can Help

I understand some people just can’t contribute, but here’s how you can help:

• Ask folks to get the word out and make some noise about this campaign.  It’s never been done before, LET’S DO IT TOGETHER!

• Share this campaign with anyone and everyone who loves street photography or photography in general.

• PARTICIPATE by shooting during the project and post your images of downtown with #ObserveDallas2015