UPDATE March 2012

As the months fly past, I am still thinking about this proposed  project.
Here is the outline that I am currently sending to people who are interested.
One idea not listed here is that of inverting the idea, and bringing the ZAN people to Ireland, instead of me going to the States to meet them. Too early at this stage to be definite about anything.
I've spoken to the Director of Bealtaine Festival, and he has put me in touch with a journalist who may a useful resource.

Project Title: 
ZAN people - Did they know?

Project Origins:
In 2007, Irish artist Gerard Byrne showed a video piece entitled *ZAN-*T185 r.1: (Interview) v.1, no. 4 - v.2, no. 6 ... no. 21 - v.3, no. 9 in which he had actors re-enact interviews with minor celebrities in the 1970's. I asked Gerard did the original interviewees know their words were being heard by people from all over the world at the Venice Biennale. Gerard said he had no idea.
I decided I would like to find out, and that is what this project is about.

Project Description:
A black and white video investigation, of what will happen when I seek to find these people and, if I find them, how will they answer my question.
The main focus of the project will be on the process of the search. If I get to meet the people or their relatives, that will be a bonus.

***

The six people I am hoping to trace are as follows:

ZAN PEOPLE INFORMATION at Jan 12 2012

Name	Born/Died	INFO
KEITH Ian CARRADINE	Aug 8 1949, San Mateo, California	Actor film, TV,
SACHEEN LITTLEFEATHER (Maria Cruz)	Jan 30 1947, Salinas, California	Actress, Activist, leader of Kateri Prayer Circle San Francisco 2010
JOHN Franklin (DAVID) CARSON	March 6 1952, Nth Hollywood Died Oct 27 2009, Las Vegas	Actor
ANGELEEN GALLIANO	May have died 2009	Model, horsewoman
DINA MERRILL (Nedenia Marjorie Hutton – Deenie)	Oct 29 1923 New York	Actor
DEIRDRE FLYNN	Jan 10 1945, Mexico City	Costume Designer, Stunts, Actress

I realize that some of these individuals may no longer be listed by their Union or professional organization,  especially if they are no longer seeking work, have retired, or have died. If that is the case, their last known details would give me a place to begin my searches.

NEW YORK in March 2011

I was conferred with my BA (Hons) in Fine Art Media on November 1 2010, and they very generously gave me a prize as NCAD Student of the Year. As my husband (and I) had been praying hard for a miracle to happen so that I could accompany the college trip to New York, this was a clear answer. So I've booked my ticket, and am looking forward to starting my research by going to the library where Gerard Byrne read the Interview Magazine that inspired his piece.

I also plan to contact the Salvation Army in New York as they are internationally known for their ability to find missing people. Perhaps they may be able to give me and idea of how to start my search.

Preparatory ideas

The ZAN people - Did they know?
IDEA
In 2007 I invigilated in the Irish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale where work by Gerard Byrne was on display.
One of his pieces was called *ZAN-*T185 r.1: (Interview) v.1, no. 4 - v.2, no. 6 ... no. 21 - v.3, no. 9. (2007). In this piece Gerard creates a scenario using words from Interview Magazine.

Image from this website

I was intrigued to know whether the original speakers of the words knew that they were having their moment of fame before much of the world of art. When I posed this question to Gerard his reply was that he had no idea whether they did or not.

So what I plan to do in this piece is to find out whether they did or not, and if they are willing to video their comments.


Can it be done NOW?
Not really, unless I win the lottery, it will take me time to get funding to go to the States, or to contact the people in question, or their relatives if they are deceased, as at least one person is.

TASKS to be done SOONER rather than later

• Preliminary RESEARCH

I have already begun this online. I have also been in touch with Gerard Byrne, and he has lent me items which will be very helpful to me.
OTHER RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Has this kind of thing been done before?
• Who has done something like this?
• Locate examples/images of similary work
• Write up research

• Write a PROPOSAL description
• Apply for funding if required
• Plan some kind of TIMEFRAME
• Identify MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT needed

more detailed planning - not to be done yet
Plan some kind of TIMEFRAME

How long might it take to get funding
How long might preparations take

First
Second
Third
LASTLY

Identify MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT needed

WHAT?
WHERE?
HOW MUCH?

Apply for FUNDING if required

WHO?
HOW MUCH?

Can be done within next SIX WEEKS, but can't be done immediately
VENUE
ADVERTIZING
HELPERS
FINANCE NEEDS / ACCOUNTS

Can be done within next THREE OR FOUR MONTHS, but can't be done within next six weeks
Has to wait more LONG TERM - no definite date.

Organize VENUE
Contact participants
Information session

AFTERWARDS

Packing up
Cleaning up
Paying up
Thanks notes
De-brief session