Update: Interactive installation lights up winter in downtown Kingston
UPDATE (Monday, Jan. 17, 2022):
Due to the inclement weather today, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, the Downtown Kingston! BIA has moved the opening of the Impulse installation to 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
The resulting closure of King Street will take place from January 20 to February 22, 2022.
Original article:
King Street between Brock Street and Clarence Street will be closed to traffic for over a month to create space for a large-scale interactive sound and light installation that aims to liven up the typical winter season.
The installation will be arriving “under the cover of a fresh coat of snow next Wednesday – bringing with it a gigantic dose of joy in an otherwise grey February,” the Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area (BIA) said in a media release.
Slated to open on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, Impulse is a series of nine interactive illuminated see-saws that respond and transform when put into motion by people, the BIA explained. According to the release, Impulse, a participatory creation by the Toronto-based firm Lateral Office, and CS Design, will transform King Street for four weeks, making Downtown Kingston a popular destination for the community.
With the closure of King Street creating a large, safe outdoor space, the installation will complement the Springer Market Square skating rink and provide ample space for social distancing, according to the BIA. Firepits and Adirondack chairs throughout the square will invite visitors to cozy up with a hot chocolate and enjoy this unique Canadiana experience.
“Impulse lights up the downtown core for people of all ages, engaging the community in a bit of child-like playfulness,” said Marijo Cuerrier, Executive Director of the Downtown Kingston! BIA. “This type of large-scale urban interactive art is a great way for the Downtown Kingston! BIA to host a top-drawer experience for everyone without attracting large crowds like a traditional festival or market.”
Impulse will stay in place from January 20 to February 20, with setup and teardown days on both ends, the BIA stated. King Street between Clarence and Brock will close to vehicular traffic from January 18 to February 22, with traffic being redirected to accommodate the road closure of both King and Market Streets.
According to the release, the low-touch installation is KFL&A Public Health approved, with current protocols in place. Masks are strongly recommended while using the see-saws. For more information and details go to www.downtownkingston.ca/impulse.