There have been a large number of stories about ‘flash mobs’ recently (here’s one from the Philadelphia Inquirer, another in Canada, and one from across the pond in the EU). If you want more, check out this Google News search on the subject.
A flash mob is a sudden gathering of strangers, usually drawn together through a rapid blast of e-mail, phone messages, instant messages, and other electronic communications. They come together for some random act of silliness (like applauding for a few seconds, or asking the same question of the shop clerks in a store over and over), and then disburse.
Many journalists have waxed philosophical about the deep social needs that Œflash mobs¹ fulfill. Others run it as a quirky sidebar about how strange and connected our world has become. For the arts manager, the trend is worth noting mostly for two reasons:
- It¹s an extreme example of another trend in arts consumers‹making purchase or cultural activity choices closer and closer to the day-of-show (wreaking havoc with our traditional cash flow and planning strategies). In this case, the decision is made only moments before the activity.
- It¹s another example of how people long to be involved in something unique, engaging, intriguing, and different, even if it has no purpose. We need to find ways to connect these needs to cultural experiences, which have become more known for their static and anachronistic character than for the dynamic excitement of live attendance.
This particular trend will likely pass, after a short period of rapid growth. But it¹s underpinnings are with us, and have been with us for quite some time.
