PRESS RELEASE
(area)code for immediate release 22/03/04

THE ALL NEW TEXT IN THE CITY 02/04/04-31/05/04

(area)code is a mapping system which collects memories and reveals hidden
histories behind key sites in Manchester city centre. The new word on the
streets is (area)code, a two-way information exchange for mobile phone users
in Manchester. The system will evolve like a virtual scrapbook, with on the
fly contributions from members of the public. Devised and managed by
creative producers blink and artist Jen Southern (area)code aims to
encourage comment on urban redevelopments in central Manchester via text.

An important textile centre since the Middle Ages, today Manchester depends
on its strength in retail and leisure and sees a boom in city centre living
in refurbished mill spaces. How do such radical changes affect our daily
lives? Do we feel involved in urban planning or do we find our lives simply
have to alter to fit these new reappropriated spaces?(area)code is one of the
first systems to use sms and the ubiquitous mobile phone to invisibly attach
information to buildings. An interesting form of graffiti for those who wish
to read it, (area)code invites you to collect and reflect upon your
immediate environment, and enables new forms of engagement between person
and place.
Developed for Futuresonic04 Manchester's new media festival
(www.futuresonic.com) which attracts international art and media delegates
(area)code aims to inspire comments about the affect of urban regeneration
on its citizens.

Lisa Roberts Director of blink said,
'Over 70% of people in the UK have mobile phones over 42 million people.
(area)code gives local people a chance to read and write about their city
using their mobile phone as a creative tool.(area)code invites people who
live and work in Manchester to share their views about centre past and
present.Share fond memories of a street party or that your grandparents used
to live on the site of the Arndale Centre it will help us learn about
changes in community life over the years.'


Grab your phone and start the exchange.Text the keyword to 0791 9315 556

keyword site
urbis Urbis
vic Victoria Station
star Starbucks
cord Cord Bar
magma Magma Bookshop

Whether you live or work in Manchester or are visiting for the first time,
share your views about each area as you walk through the city. (area)code is
always on 24hours a day 7 days a week. Some sites are clearly defined with
signage but others are invisibly linked to the system to reveal how such
simple technologies can enable virtual graffiti for fun or subversion.
Request is charged at your usual network rate but (area) code info is sent
free.

You are invited to enjoy a few drinks, meet the organisers and try out the
system for the first time at an informal launch in Cord Bar, Dorsey Street
Manchester 6-8pm 02/04/04.

www.areacode.org.uk

For more information and photos
Contact Lisa Roberts on 07779 649 027 lisa@blinkmedia.org
blink The Old Caretakers House Turnbridge Mills Quay Street Huddersfield HD1
1QT
01484 301805
EDITOR'S NOTES

blink
blink coordinate new cultural projects and initiate collaborations with
artists and organisations across the UK. Our self-initiated projects
shortcircuits and centrifugalforces have grown to become leading platforms
for the international distribution of new creative content.
Centrifugalforces