Recalculating Route
HUB Summer Camp 2023 participants in Socrates Sculpture Park (Queens, NY) walking off to begin their exploration of the space through body and image responses
“Recalculating Route” is a community arts activity that helps us to see each other’s differing perspectives as we experience the same place and share images in response to word or phrase prompts. This idea was adapted from the work of artist Ofri Cnaani (experienced during a School for Visual Arts’ City as Site residency).
The facilitator sets up a WhatsApp group chat, and comes up with a list of five word/phrase prompts related to a topic to consider. S/he posts the word or phrase every 5-6 minutes in the chat so participants can post a photo in response. Participants walk through the same space / community during this time, only pausing to take a picture. The timing can be adapted depending on the size of the group and space constraints.
After the final prompt, the group comes together to reflect on the collection of images that has been produced. What do they mean and how do they reflect how each person sees themselves in this place? How does each person’s body move through the place? What are commonalities and differences?
This can be a helpful resource to encourage participants to see different perspectives as well as consider the relationship between body and space.