Dead Drops: The Future of File Sharing?

Peer-to-peer file sharing goes offline in a project from Aram Bartholl, who’s part of FAT Lab, the art and tech collective which counts among its members creator James Powderly. Dead Drops, a project that came out of Bartholl’s artist residency at NYC-baced art and technology center EYEBEAM, brings file sharing out into the openness of public spaces. It’s an anonymous (as long as no one sees you) way to share files with USB flash drives inserted into walls, buildings, and curbs where anyone can plug in their computer and upload/download whatever they want. There are currently five points in NYC each containing a readme.txt file explaining the project. On his blog Aram explains that this is just the beginning, as he plans to place more Dead Drops in cities around the world, along with releasing a “how to” manual for those who want to create their own. But for now, below is a list of where they are in New York, as well as a handy map, in case you’d care to share.

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Dead Drops Locations

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87 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY (Makerbot)
Empire Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn, NY (Dumbo)
235 Bowery, NY (New Museum)
Union Square, NY (Subway Station 14th St)
West 21st Street, NY (Eyebeam)