Beginning April 20th eight collaborators attempted to switch places and props — essentially, switch lives — for ten days, and "play" each other. We each created instructions on how to "be" or "perform" ourselves, ostensibly turning personality into character, and foregrounding the performativity of daily life. Some of the exchanges went on roughly as planned, while others did not.

This was in the context of a project called The Exchange Program. This project was conceived and organized by Michael Mandiberg; the following eight artists realized this project in Los Angeles, and Toronto: Heather Cassils, Lauren Hartman, Sara Jordeno, Curt Lemeiux, Michael Mandiberg, Melanie Nakaue, Amy Satterthwaite, and Haruko Tanaka.

This documentation website contains residue and reflections from each set of artists. While it is impossible to convey in full such an immersive performative project, the texts, images, and video help construct a sketch of what transpired in each couple's exchange.

-Michael Mandiberg, September 11, 2003



The Exchange Program has been generously supported by Turbulence.org. The Essential Guide to Performing Michael Mandiberg is a 2002 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc. for its Turbulence web site. It was made possible with funding from the Jerome Foundation.


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Preparatory Emails

Curt and Lauren

   Description
   Drawings
   Video Clips
   Diary

Amy and Michael

   Description
   Trailer for Video
   Amy's Post-its
   Amy's Photos
   Michael's Guide
   Amy's Revisions
   Michael's Post-its
   Feedback

Haruko and Melanie

   Description
   Melanie's Photos

Heather and Sara

   Description

Participant info