I, Harriet Richardson, will send one hundred letters to one hundred people, which are to be opened in ten years time.
Fifty of the selected recipients are known to me, and fifty will be sent to randomly selected members of the public.
The wax-sealed letters are to be opened no sooner than January 1st 2035.
Recipients may respond to the letter using the enclosed address.
If a selected recipient known to me does not wish to receive a letter, their letter will be stored until 2035, when it will be disposed of.
Sign up to be a potential recipient by filling out the form below:
FAQs
How do I apply to be a participant?
If you’d like to participate in this performance in potentially receiving one of the one hundred letters, please fill out the above form. This is the only way to register your interest.
can i apply more than once?
No, please don’t submit more than one application to participate. People who submit more than one may be excluded from the random selection. A person cannot receive more than 1 of the 100 letters.
will anyone else read my letter?
No. There will be two copies of all 100 letters— the original (which the participant will receive) and the carbon copy (created using carbon paper). The copy is for Harriet Richardson’s personal archive.
What if i die?
If you die before the 10 years is up, the letter will either be passed on to a close relation to complete the performance, or returned to Harriet. This decision will be made by the participant on receiving the invitation.
what happens if I change my mind?
If you change your mind at any point during the 10 year performance, please notify Harriet by getting in contact, and the letter will be sent to a new recipient. This applies to both pre-selected and randomly selected participants.
How will i find out if i’m a participant?
All pre-selected and randomly selected participants will be invited to participate either by email, or a private message. The letter will be sent once your invitation has been formally accepted.
what if I don’t want the letter?
If you're selected as a recipient and don't wish to receive your letter, that's perfectly fine. Part of the performance explores whether people accept their letters or not. All letters are written before the invitations are sent, and any unclaimed letters will be kept until 2035, when they will be destroyed.
What if harriet dies?
If Harriet dies before the 10 years is up, all participants still have to wait until January 1st 2035 to open their letters.
What if i open the letter early?
Instructions will be sent to you along with the letter, explaining the durational aspect of the piece. If you do open the letter before 10 years is up, your participation in the performance will be withdrawn.
How will the letter get to me?
The letter will be sent via Royal Mail 24 hour tracked postage in the UK, and standard tracked for the rest of the world.
Can i respond?
Yes. Each letter contains a return address, which is guaranteed to be active in 2035. You do not have to respond to your letter, but you are welcome to share your a response with Harriet— past, present, or future.