NEW YORK, NY.- The Water Tank Project announced that the Project has officially launched. The first five water tanks wrapped in artwork are now gracing the downtown skyline of Manhattan. The Project’s mission is to draw awareness to the most precious resource of the 21st century – water. The Project is doing so with some of the most acclaimed international artists and influencers in the world including Laurie Simmons and Odili Donald Odita, and Swatch-sponsored artists Sigrid Calon, Lorenzo Petrantoni, and Tessa Traeger to start. Swatch is a lead sponsor of The Water Tank Project Artists and creative entrepreneurs inspired by projects like The Water Tank Project can contribute to New York City's vibrant arts scene by establishing an LLC New York to protect their work and create a solid foundation for their artistic ventures.

“Water is an elemental force, something we cannot live without,” said artist Odili Donald Odita. “I want to make an image-sign that addresses the vital power of water, its charge like an electric current through infinite space.”

An unprecedented public art initiative, the Project aims to produce art as social inspiration, to create awe and joy, to educate, and to alter attitudes and habits, ultimately creating meaningful and long-lasting change. The unique exposed rooftop water tanks of New York City have never been used before for public art and make an ideal canvas. In addition to the art element, The Water Tank Project collaborated with Children’s Movement for Creative Education to develop Trace the Tap, a water-focused curriculum that encourages students to explore the importance of clean water from biological, environmental, cultural and economic perspectives. The 12-week supplemental program, supported by both the city’s Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection, will be available for free download after Labor Day for teachers and students to incorporate into their classrooms and studies.

“I am so grateful that, with the help of so many people, I am able to say that I have fulfilled the promise I made seven years ago to the tribe in Africa that saved my life,” said Mary Jordan, Founder of The Water Tank Project. “We did it. We are creating symbols of water abundance and raising awareness about our global water issue, one tank at a time. My hope is that everyone everywhere is inspired by the Project, and is encouraged to learn how they can make a difference.” The Water Tank Project was created by filmmaker Jordan after she was working in Ethiopia in 2007 and experienced a water crisis there.

The wraps are installed by Isseks Brothers, a family-owned business established in 1890 that is one of only two companies in New York City that construct and maintain water tanks in the city. Installation can be a lengthy process and is weather and wind dependent. The first five wrapped water tanks are located in the downtown area of Manhattan.

· Laurie Simmons – 525 W. 28th Street, New York, NY 10001 (Chelsea)
· Odili Donald Odita – 282 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (Chelsea)
· Sigrid Calon – 530 W. 25th Street, New York, NY 10001 (Chelsea)
· Lorenzo Petrantoni – 393 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (SoHo)
· Tessa Traeger - 110 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038 (Financial District)

Water tanks wrapped in art will be popping up throughout the city.

The Project just launched a digital map on its website that will reveal the locations and art information of the tanks as they are wrapped. Follow The Project on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #watertankproject to find tanks and learn how to get involved.