Take a Number

Custom fabricated ticket dispenser, tickets and digital numerical sign, 2025

Take a Number is an interactive work modeled after the waiting systems. Visitors take a paper ticket from a red number dispenser to begin their “belonging process.” The number on the ticket is always extremely high, especially when compared to the number currently being served, which is displayed on a large “Now Processing” sign nearby.

The ticket directs visitors to a website where they can enter their number to see how long the process will take. The result is usually an exaggerated wait time measured in decades. Visitors are given the option to apply for expedited processing, which leads to additional steps, delays, and dead ends.

Made in collaboration with Chad Musch and Alex Cabrera. Photos by Deanna Dent and Samantha Chow.