project:
The Great Artranspennine Balloon Race

location:
Albert Square, Manchester/Transregional

date(s):
31 May - 16 August 2003.

description:
Magnus Quaife's piece 'The Great Artranspennine Balloon Race' follows on a tradition well known from Lord Mayor's parade and charity do's - the release of a number of balloons with a prize awarded to the one which is documented to have travelled the furthest. The launch of 85 balloons will take place in Albert Square, Manchester (Quaife is hoping the mayor will come, which, in his own words would be "nice".) Anyone can take part in the project by finding a balloon and returning it to Quaife.

Documentation of the work will be available on request for the duration of Artranspennine03 and Quaife will visit people's house, office or studio or anywhere they want (within reason) and show them the documentation. The documentation will consist of some photos along with any balloons that have been returned, although Quaife is not optimistic that any will be.
 
There is going to be a prize for the balloon that has travelled the furthest and for the best thing sent back to accompany a balloon. The prize is likely to be a bottle Asti Spumante.