About


Un-cloud your files in cement! ‘Dead Drops’ is an anonymous, offline, peer to peer file-sharing network in public space.

‘Dead Drops’ is an anonymous, offline, peer to peer file-sharing network in public space. USB flash drives are embedded into walls, buildings and curbs accessible to anybody in public space. Everyone is invited to drop or find files on a dead drop. Plug your laptop to a wall, house or pole to share your favorite files and data. Each dead drop is installed empty except a readme.txt file explaining the project. ‘Dead Drops’ is open to participation. If you want to install a dead drop in your city/neighborhood follow the ‘how to’ instructions and submit the location and pictures.

I  am a Berlin based media artist and started  the ‘Dead Drops’ project during my stay in NYC at EYEBEAM as artist in residence, October 2010. Dead Drops was part of the show “Talk to Me” at the MoMa July-Nov 2011.

Aram Bartholl 2010

Dead Drops ‘How to’ video

The first 5 Dead Drops were installed by Aram Bartholl in NYC, Oct. 2010.

Prefer YouTube? -> youtube.com/watch?v=hwohadcUv4A

DeadDrops database

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The first 5 Dead Drops were installed by Aram Bartholl in NYC, October 2010

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)
540 West 21st Street, NY (Eyebeam)

Dead Drops picture set on flickr

Dead Drops picture set on flickr

295 responses to “About”

  1. Just created
    Plug Into Read’s Book Shop.
    Dead Drop installed at Read’s Book Shop, Carleton Place, Ontario. Side of building on right. Check for future book reviews and coupons!
    130 Lansdowne Ave. Carleton Place, ON
    GPS 45-07.9919N 76-09.3383W

    • That’s brilliant! I wonder if you’re the 1st to find a way to commercialize this movement?!

  2. way to go with the map database :)

    the next ones I put up around ATL will be more protected to the elements and maybe a little more hidden to the average walker by.

  3. Hey, love the idea! Hoping to be the first in the UK. One question, the weather over here is terrible at the moment, is there any risk of shorting out a laptop if the USB is wet? I would also imagine that the USB couls corrode over time, but I kinda like the idea of this being a semi temporary installation.