Crowdfunding: Using social media to back projects

Just came across an interesting creative arts project that needs funding to ensure its success. No different, you might think, from any other project but what I liked was the funding model.  More in a moment.
The project is called The Parisianer and the idea is that 100 artists/illustrators will share 100 pictures capturing the essence of Paris.  At the end of this year there will be an exhibition, a book and posters of the artwork.

Funding
To succeed the project needs financial backing and rather than chasing grants or money from other sources it uses the concept of CrowdFunding fuelled by social media.  People share details of the project on their social networks and if they are so minded contribute to specified subscription ranges. When the project is realised they are sent the items listed for the respective price bands.
If insufficient funds are raised and the project does not go ahead any monies contributed are returned. Progress is recorded on the website to show how much has already been raised and how many days remain for contributions.
The service is provided by KissKissBankBank and it is encouraging to see the number and variety of creative projects being financed in this way.

Of course, I signed up. I definitely would like to have that book.

Question
The project also got me thinking - what captures the essence of Paris?
The monuments? The cafes and restaurants? The Bridges?  For me, walking along the Seine would be high on the list.  What captures its essence for you?

Like to know more? Check out this link to The Parisianer project.