Random Postcard Project

Participants were asked to e-mail a number between one and 100 and receive a word in return, which they then fashioned into an A6 postcard that is posted to the collective. These were then displayed at an exhibition in east London.

This year’s Random Project works on the same format, but with a special focus on London 2012, with each card designed in response to a randomly assigned word relating to either 2012, London or the Olympics.

The words have now been chosen, with those suggested through Twitter and Facebook drawn from a hat yesterday and assigned with an individual number.

The project is run by Sarah Hyndman, who is also creative director of consultancy With Relish. She says, ‘In light of all the cynicism surrounding the Olympics and the artists commissions, a lot of people are feeling that they’re not getting a chance to share in it. This is a way for a lot of people to play a part.’

The project is open to everybody to take part in – be it athletes, school children, accountants or designers. Previous Random Project contributors include Ed Fella, Stefan Sagmeister, Ralph Steadman and Alan Rickman.

As well as providing a commentary on the Olympics and London’s celebrations, the gradual stream of entries, which will be accepted until September, will also act as a visual journal, documenting the events and moods throughout the year.

To take part, email word@random-project.co.uk with a number between 1 and 100. You will be sent your word along with full instructions. Hyndman says she also hopes to be hosting live postcard drawing events throughout the year.

The postcards will be on view in the Random Project 2012 virtual gallery, which will open on February 1 with images uploaded as they come in. A physical exhibition is also planned for later in the year.