THE MAKING OF PLACE - The Walking Working Group

THE MAKING OF PLACE - The Walking Working Group

Welcome back, Walking Working Group! 

We’ve all unfolded a map, or opened our digital navigational softwares; typed in directions, searched for the nearest bar, restaurant, cornerstore, parking spot; followed diligently but mindlessly. We’ve all listened intently to the sat nav, gazed at the snail trail we’ve left on our digital GPS. We’re all somewhat familiar with the vague, top down impressions of places these maps create…

But what happens when we’re asked to work from the bottom up? How can we create guides of place in action, working from the muddled and sensorially rich perspective of eye-level? 

This workshop does away with the top down navigational systems, asking us to instead tune into our immediate experience of place. We will walk and work together to create various alternative cartographies of place - one as we walk, one immediately after, and one collaboratively. What sensory experiences we hold with us and how we might translate these into a multisensory cartography of the neighbourhood that values smell, touch, taste, memories, conversations etc. etc. etc. just as much as sight!

Date: Friday 21st February 2025

Time: 13:00 - 15:30 

Beginning Location: The location will change for each workshop! This week, we will meet at Buurtwerkplaats Noorderhof which is where the collective cartography of this workshop will take place.

Important Details: Prepare for all weather! Wear comfortable shoes and bring waterproof clothing. Carry water and a snack if you think you’ll need this. If the weather becomes too difficult for a walking workshop, an alternative exercise will be proposed. 

Who is this workshop for…

This workshop is open to EVERYONE. I recognise the exclusionary implications of walking and choose to co-opt this word to mean being physically present and visible in space, moving through it in an impactful way. There will be no pressure to walk at a certain speed, and pauses are greatly encouraged. If you have any questions or requirements, you are more than welcome to drop me a message at +31624215459.

You might like this workshop if…

You live and/or work around the Slotermeer area - my research is situated here, so I am always excited to speak to and learn from people with specific knowledge of this area.

You want to try different modes of creative production - walking as artistic research practice is an exciting, unique and stimulating mode of creation. It gets the blood flowing, but it also connects your thoughts to the passing through place and time. If you want to get inspired in your creative practice, this might be a fun way to experiment. 

You enjoy walking and would like to do this activity in a group - walking alone is amazing, walking together is even better!

Host or Publisher The Walking Working Group