The Gelt Standard

The Gelt Standard was an alternative currency at an immersive event where money could be used to influence results. The 850 guests arriving at the party were told it was the eve of the first democratic elections after the overthrow of an authoritarian regime. Everyone was issued a small amount of currency, which could be used to buy the results of the night’s election.

Also on site were the representatives of Chasewell Bank, who were advising partygoers to invest in an alternative means of exchange with a more tangible value proposition. Partygoers were encouraged to trade in their money for chocolate coins, which lasted long after the party was over.

I designed and wrote the golden checks, MICR encoding included, designed the gelt itself and the signage, and procured the briefcases and the lights that made their contents glow. On the night I worked the floor as a representative of Chasewell Bank, whose slogan was “Banking on Trust.”

The bank did what banks do. By the end of the night we had hoarded enough of the party’s cash to hold undue influence over the election.