Nuclear Projections

Performing public projections is essentially projecting (pro-nuclear) images or messaging onto public infrastructure (buildings, bridges, walls, etc). These are most impactfully done in areas where there is considerable public traffic either pedestrian, automobile, or both. 

Why Perform Public Projections?

• High Visibility: Public infrastructure like buildings or bridges are often prominent landmarks in a city. Projecting images onto them creates a large, hard-to-miss display, potentially grabbing the attention of a wide audience.

• Symbolic Impact: Certain buildings can be symbolic of the issue being advocated for. For example, projecting an environmental message onto a government building can create a powerful visual connection.

• Attention-grabbing Disruption: The unexpected nature of a projection can disrupt the usual flow of activity in a public space. This disruption can be used to grab attention and force people to confront the message being projected.

• Media Coverage: The act of projecting onto public infrastructure can itself generate media attention, further amplifying the advocacy message. 

Siting research should be done beforehand

• Look for buildings, bridges, natural cliffs, or other surfaces that can act as a good site.

• Is there sufficient auto or pedestrian traffic that will see the message after dark?

• Is there a place to set up and position your equipment?

• Is the area safe after dark?

• Will you need a portable power source?

Equipment

The equipment list is rather simple but can be relatively expensive to purchase.

• Projector (preferred with 4000 ANSI lumens or more)

  • The more lumens the bigger and brighter you can project. Once you get beyond the 5000 lumen range prices tend to skyrocket.

  • Look for “ANSI” lumen rating. Beware of cheaper projectors advertising high lumen ratings 

• Power Source

  • A battery source will give you the most location flexibility. Look for watt/hour ratings that will give you adequate time for your projector. Many battery packs can be found on Amazon.

    1. Example: If your projector consumes 300 watts during its operation, and your battery pack has a rating of 600 watt/hours. Then you will have 2 hours of operating time.

  • Verify you have the right outlet connections on your battery pack.

• Laptop to project slides. 

  • Here are some slide templates you may use for inspiration. Feel free to customize your own. 

Investigate Potential Consequences

Individuals will need to investigate the legality and any potential consequences of doing so. While it is generally considered legal in most jurisdictions, it is a bit of a gray area. 

Some advice to cover your legal bases.

• If it’s a building - obtain permission from building management, or at least understand if there could be any potential consequences if you do not obtain permission.

• Notify the city of your plans and ask if there are any considerations or consequences to be aware of.

• Use non-offensive language or images

• If it is an area of automobile traffic, do not use distracting or moving images.

Photos for social media

Beyond the local traffic viewership, public projections make for great social media content. Make sure you get some good photos of your projections and share them along with describing your experience. 

Contact news publications

Contact local media outlets to let them know what you are doing. It could lead to a story! Do you have any connections with journalists? This is a great time to tip them off and ask if they would like to join you at the projection site and report on it.