#presidioexchange

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Unlike traditional museums based on a collection of objects, the Presidio Exchange (PX) will be a platform for artists, thinkers, innovators, young leaders, and visitors to create, celebrate, and inspire deep connections to place. It will be a stunning setting for exhibitions, art installations, performances, and festivals—all in view of the Golden Gate Bridge. And it will be a center for thought leadership and innovative programs in partnership with nationally regarded organizations.

Have you seen the latest list of nonprofit organizations and institutions at

the national, regional, and local level that have signed on to as potential program partners of the PX?

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The PX aims to be a public space where people can interact, collaborate and share experiences through art, music, science, history, and other program areas.

In the late 60s and 70s sociologist William H. Whyte examined the use of public spaces in New York, an experiment that was recreated by two Rutgers students in 2008. They found that instead of driving us apart, when gathering in public spaces people actually put down their smart phones and devices for some good old fashioned direct human interaction!

What is your favorite public space in SF, and how can it inform the PX?

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A big thank you to everyone that showed their support for the PX on Monday night. We had a great turn out of PX supporters - as you can see below wearing little red pins!

Check out John King's write up of the event in the SF Chronicle.

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With the start of the new year, we're making a resolution to continue our work to make the PX a reality. Here, SF residents and Parks Conservancy supporters share their thoughts on what the PX will bring to them and their communities. What's your PX?

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Is temporary the new permanent? A glimpse at "Whispering Dishes" part of a new interactive outdoor exhibit along San Francisco's Market Street, from our friends at the Exploratorium.

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We know that Good Public Art Depends on Good Public Spaces that's why the PX will feature a 15,000 sq. ft. flexible event space for not one, but many cultural institutions.

"More than ever before, public artworks are stimulating and inviting active dialogue rather than just passive observation, thereby fostering social interaction that can even lead to a sense of social cohesion among the viewers themselves."

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"Of and for the Presidio...The Parks Conservancy built and currently maintains visitor attractions all over San Francisco's national parkland, from the Warming Hut at Fort Point to Alcatraz. It has raised more than $300 million to support these projects since 1981, all in the name of curating its slice of important Bay Area history."

A comprehensive overview of the three proposals for the mid-Crissy Field site in the SF Bay Guardian.

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Crissy Field was the stage for an important announcement from Secretary of the interior Sally Jewell last week - the launch of a national youth conservation initiative, to engage the next generation through education, employment and volunteer opportunities on public lands. The PX, in partnership with our Crissy Field Center will support this great initiative, with diverse programming for youth in the Golden Gate National Parks.

Above: Sally Jewell with GGNRA Superintendent Frank Dean, UC Berkeley Professor Dr. Carolyn Finney, Director of Pacific Leadership Institute Nina Roberts, and GGNPC CEO Greg Moore.