Have you seen the rooster installation on Union Street? Here’s everything we know.

SouthCoastToday, Published June 4, 2024

Full article HERE.

NEW BEDFORD — A semi-permanent giant rooster is being installed at Union and North 2nd Street as part of DATMA’s “Transform: Reduce, Revive, Reimagine,” exhibition set for June 14.

According to Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute (DATMA), the art installation will be free and open to the public, allowing visitors to explore, interact and use it as a backdrop for gatherings and events.

The sculpture will remain on display through 2029.

The reason behind selecting a rooster

Plastic Rooster was specifically chosen for New Bedford’s downtown location due to its symbolic representation of Portugal. Over half of the city’s population claims to have Portuguese heritage.

Standing at approximately 12 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 15 feet tall, the artwork will be created using repurposed waste materials from the SouthCoast region, collected and donated by local landfill management departments.

In addition, 11th grade Metal Fabrication students from the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will be involved in the creation of the sculpture, empowering and instilling pride among the local youth.

The artist behind plastic rooster

Bordalo II, a Lisbon-born street artist, is renowned for his powerful and impactful artwork that raises awareness about environmental issues. Using discarded materials like old car parts, scrap metal and plastic waste, he crafts striking animal portraits, representing the destructive impact of excessive production and consumption on our planet.

By giving life to animals using the very materials responsible for their habitat destruction, Bordalo II’s work serves as a stark reminder of the need for environmental conservation and waste reduction.

“I am thrilled to see this project come to life. Every step of the way has been an extraordinary and collaborative journey,” said Executive Director of DATMA Lindsay Mis.

Mis also praised the efforts and collaboration of the GNB Voc students, the YMCA Southcoast, Waste Management staff and countless local residents for their contributions to the creation of Plastic Rooster.

DATMA’s plans for its ‘Transform’ season

This isn’t the first semi-permanent structure to be added to the city’s downtown area by DATMA. In 2023, The double-sided door public artwork referred to as “Threshold” in Custom House Square was installed through fall of 2026.

Its double-sided door references the community’s diverse history, with its blue façade facing the Wharf and rising sun as a nod to the city’s fishing roots, while its massive arched window is tiled together with colorful mirrored pieces, capturing the various identities and cultures that have made up the city.

“A true family affair, Plastic Rooster has been a massive undertaking for everyone involved and the artwork means so much more thanks to the countless hands that have helped build it,” she added.

For its sixth year, DATMA’s “Transform: Reduce, Revive, Reimagine” will not only present the rooster sculpture, but also a temporary photography exhibition along the historic waterfront and a variety of robust programs and educational workshops all season through Oct. 14, 2024.

“Even though there’s still work to be done by Bordalo II and his team, I feel this is already a major accomplishment for DATMA and the will to pitch-in is a reflection of New Bedford’s supportive community,” Mis said.