50 Things

Learn More About 50 Things

50 Things is a provincewide scavenger hunt for art! You are invited to discover art works through a custom-built app.  

In the original 50 Things project, some of the pieces were physical objects, while others were digital and could be experienced directly through a smartphone. The legacy version of the app (available here!) is almost entirely digital art, and some of the piece have been moved to more accessible locations. 

All the art pieces are intended to be experienced in a certain place, mindful of the surrounding environment and its history of activism. The app is your treasure map – it will guide you to each piece of art and unlock it as you arrive at its location. 

The 50 artworks were created by established and emerging artists from multiple disciplines, commissioned by EAC, and curated with Zuppa. The original 50 Things project ran from September 1 to October 31, 2021.

Download the app for Apple users here. 

Download the app for Android users here (coming soon).

How the app works: 

After the prologue, you will see a list of 50 things. Tap on them for an intro and directions to each piece. When you arrive at the destination, the intro screen will be replaced by expanded content about the location, the artist, the EAC story, and the art itself.  

50 Things is meant to be experienced on a smartphone as a choose-your-own adventure scavenger hunt. We encourage everyone to engage with the art projects in the locations they have been paired with. 

Not in Nova Scotia? Don't have a smartphone? Unable to travel? Looking to access content from a computer? 

There is also a web version of the app here, which you can enjoy from a computer anywhere: https://50things.nowhere-app.com/ 

“Carry the Spark” features songs from the 50 Things project, including music from: 

• Braden Lam 

• Terra Spencer 

• Blue Lobelia 

• George Woodhouse 

• Keeper E. 

• BARE Theatre Co. 

Check it out on Bandcamp here. 

The 50 Things app features an audio series of 11 conversations with friends of the EAC, including David Suzuki, Elizabeth May, and more.  

This audio series, Reflections on the Movement, is now available to stream and download wherever fine podcasts are found and can be enjoyed outside of the app, wherever you are. 

You’ll hear EAC’s friends, volunteers, former staff, and collaborators reflecting on the impacts of 50 years of environmental activism, the unique ways that EAC has gone about its work and engaged with communities, how we can deal with failures, how environmental justice fits into the picture, and what they see when they look to the future. 

The audio series can still be unlocked within the app by visiting the Halifax Central Library. 

Listen on Spotify.

Listen on Google Podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Respect the Sun – Mural at Willow & Agricola Street

This vibrant and beautiful house-sized mural by Lorne Julien is a reminder to respect and honour the sun: 

 “The sun holds a connection to everything on earth, it gives life and it can be a threat, a powerful element. I am concerned that we are not leaving a healthy planet for our next 7 generations. The eagle is very important to my people as it represents love and flies high in the sky and has a connection to the Heavens. This eagle is flying towards the sun with one wing reaching out towards the sun for healing and to show respect, the other is pointing down towards the earth to honour the connection. The image also represents us as people having one hand on earth and our other hand reaching towards the Heavens. We need to be reminded of respecting all our relations in order to start healing. Msit no'kmaq, Lorne A Julien”  

About the Artist:  

Lorne Alexander Julien is a proud Mi’kmaw artist and member of Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia. He specializes in contemporary Indigenous acrylic paintings and murals. Although known primarily as a painter, he has diversified to other mediums such as stained glass and photography. His Mi’kmaw name is “Warrior on the Hill” (Sma'knis) which was given to him in his youth when he learned about the spiritual way of his people.  
  
He is a self-taught artist, beginning as a young child. He specializes in rich vibrant colours and believes simplicity is beautiful. Lorne wants to share his artwork, lifting people’s spirits, with ideas taken from his visions and dreams.  
  
Lorne creates murals in schools, institutions and public spaces in an effort to Indigenize and create safe spaces that are inclusive, respectful and honour Canada’s Indigenous People. He believes that incorporating Indigenous art in public spaces is a simple act of reconciliation and moving forward in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.   
  
His artwork is a form of prayer, it provides healing for himself and he would like to bring healing to the world. His intention is to inspire hope and balance within the universe. 

Inviting Light – Sculpture at Bike Again

The light sculpture that illuminates the yard in front of the Bike Again shop at 5664 Charles Street was made as a tribute to Danielle Moore, created out of bicycle parts by Bill Rudolph with Victor Comeau and Mike Gibbs. 

DIY bike spaces are places to get your hands dirty, learn, and find community through sharing knowledge and skills. It can be really empowering to learn how to fix your own bicycle! Since 2000, the volunteers of Bike Again have provided Halifax with access to refurbished bikes, tools, parts, and a welcoming space to learn how to use them.   

One of those volunteers was Danielle Moore. Danielle was a person who lit up every room she entered. She lived her life with passion, energy, playfulness and optimism and spread joy wherever she went. Danielle was always ready to jump in with both feet and learn something new, break down barriers and lift others up. She was an avid bike rider (even in the Winnipeg winter!), DIYer, educator and dedicated environmental advocate who was passionate about protecting and understanding nature.  

Danielle is a light. She reminds us to live with hope and enthusiasm, even in the face of great challenge and uncertainty.   

Created by local artist and bike enthusiast Bill Rudolph in collaboration with Victor Comeau and Mike Gibbs, this light sculpture celebrates Danielle’s spirit and her ability to inspire and empower others to live with hope, brilliance, and cautious optimism. It is a multifaceted sculpture: a mixture of practical and whimsical. It is also an invitation to the Bike Again space and to a brighter future together.  

Lead Artist: William Rudolph  

William Rudolph is an artist and sculptor of re-purposed and up-cycled materials.  His creations range from static sculptural designs, to more functional works, such as table lamps.  Bike parts, old cameras, and other metal objects are often assembled and incorporated into unique forms, from the representational to the abstract.  The items William uses in his work are not concealed or disguised within the sculpture, but are clearly visible: each component to be appreciated in its entirely by the viewer.   

Lead Electrician: Victor Comeau