The Coaster Project, Destination: The World
2002/2012

Can artists unite nations when politicians cannot?
Can a single project bridge cultural divides?
Can an exhibit that spans the globe-from Antarctica to Asia, the Middle East,
Africa, North America, South America and beyond-result in thousands of art. works freely being given away?
No strings attached?

It happened once. And then, it happened again:
Between March 9 and May 19, 2002, 99+ artists transcended geographical, political and cultural boundaries to stage 99+ exhibitions throughout the world. Afterwards, all 10,000+ art works were given away in the guise of
“coasters” at bars, cafes and restaurants. Response to TransCultural Exchange’s The Coaster Project, Destination: The World exceeded all expectations. Along with requests for workshops, a K-12 education program (where children around the globe exchanged paper tiles – or drawings – and letters), additional venues, interviews, articles and talks by the artists; the Northeast Chapter of the International Art Critics Association voted The Coaster Project, Destination: The World ‘The Best Show in an Alternative Space outside of New York.’

To mark the 10th anniversary of its unprecedented Coaster Project, TransCultural Exchange invited artists around the world to make and take-away coasters as part of Toronto’s 2012 Culture Works Festival (organized by the artist Dyan Marie), part of the BIG on Bloor Festival. After all, the best things in life are free: The coasters were given away to the lucky patrons at Duffy’s Tavern and the Rex in Toronto.