The Urban Conga is a multidisciplinary design studio promoting community activity and social interaction through play.
The Power of Play in Public Spaces
“Oscillation was designed off this idea of using play to begin to interrupt one’s routine within the public realm. We wanted to create a piece that would stop people as they walked by and allowed them to not only spark an interaction with the piece but also the people around them” says Ryan Swanson, member of The Urban Conga. Swanson and his team believe that play is a powerful tool for building community, and their projects around the world aim to turn urban spaces into playgrounds that bring strangers together. The Urban Conga has championed this approach, working to create what they call “more playable cities,” where moments of spontaneous interaction spark joy and connection among strangers and ordinary public spaces are transformed into a creative destination.
Photo: Oscillation by The Urban Conga (Grand Rapids) © Nicole Abbett
Why Oscillation Matters for Marquette
For MPAC, hosting an installation like Oscillation is part of an effort to broaden the role of public art in Marquette. While the city has long valued traditional murals and sculptures that beautify our community, MPAC sees the potential to incorporate technology, interactivity, and modern design in ways that expand how people experience art. Oscillation, which has been featured in major cities across the globe, puts Marquette even more solidly on the map as a city that values creativity, innovation, and community connection.
The installation also encourages visitors to rethink the potential of public art: it can inspire play, invite wonder, and bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. By introducing art that invites participation, MPAC is promoting a new era of public art in Marquette that moves beyond the visual to include the experiential. The temporary display of Oscillation this winter offers locals a rare opportunity to explore, touch, and even manipulate an artwork, sparking moments of wonder and connection during the darkest month of the year.
Photo: Oscillation by The Urban Conga (NYC) © Savannah Lauren
The Collaboration Behind Oscillation
This project is a collaborative effort that reaches beyond Marquette’s borders. Tour produced by Creos, an international leader in public art that travels around the world, Oscillation reflects Creos’ mission to “democratize public art” by bringing innovative installations to diverse communities. By acting as a liaison between creators, developers, and cities, Creos brings fresh perspectives and unique artistic experiences to audiences who might not otherwise encounter such works.
Oscillation has been to major urban areas such as New York, NY and Seattle, WA; even to Edinburgh, Scotland. It has also appeared in the Great Lakes region debuting at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI. To bring it to the Northwoods, the shoreline of Superior, The City of Marquette Public Art Commission teamed up with the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and Travel Marquette.
Photo: Oscillation by The Urban Conga (NYC) © Savannah Lauren
Winter Light Festival: Bright Moments, Warm Connections
This unique installation inspired these local partners to create the first ever Winter Light Festival, a month-long celebration of art, light, and holiday spirit, running from December 1 to December 31, 2024. This festival will showcase the warmth and vibrancy of Marquette during the darkest month of the year, featuring illuminated art installations, live performances, creative gatherings, and much more.
The Winter Light Festival highlights Oscillation as a centerpiece for this first year, centralizing the festivities at the Marquette Commons in the heart of the downtown district. Also new this year will be the DDA’s Yule Market, two days of holiday shopping and community celebration. Joining the headline events are cherished holiday happenings including the Holiday Laser Display on the Ore Dock, the Holiday Parade, the 48th annual Tree Lighting, and culminating with the New Year’s Eve celebration.
The Winter Light Festival invites the Marquette community to share their own events as well through the MQTcompass.com Community Calendar. Musical performances, donation drives, light displays and more will all be listed in one location for locals and visitors to more easily navigate the busy finale of 2024. Each light, each moment, reflects the shared experiences that brighten our world, reminding us that even in the heart of winter, our collective spirit shines brighter than ever.
Photo: Oscillation by The Urban Conga (Edinburgh Science) © Adam Luto Photography
An Invitation to Marquette Locals and Visitors
Through Oscillation, MPAC invites both residents and visitors to experience something entirely new in Marquette’s public art landscape. This temporary installation serves as a powerful reminder of how art can engage us all, sparking playful moments and shared experiences. We invite all ages and abilities to stop by, move around, and let yourself be transported by the sounds, colors, and energy of Oscillation.
