In Between the Lines
Location:
New York City
Project Lead:
Larissa Begault
Julia Borowicz
Proposal for:
Van Alen Institute
Themes:
immigrant rights
civic engagement
presidential elections
curriculum design
democracy
“Showcasing their plurality allows neighbors to find common ground through unexpected conversations around identity and difference.”
BACKGROUND
Part of the Van Alen Fall Festival, Mandate, and Archtober, this fast-paced, one-day design competition invited interdisciplinary teams to consider how the voter experience in cities can be reimagined to be more equitable, accessible, and engaging for all citizens.
Following a workshop period at Van Alen Institute among finalist teams, community members were invited to attend the presentation of proposals and ask questions. A jury of planning and election experts judged the entries and announced a winner at the conclusion of the event.
The winning team shared a $1,000 prize and worked with Van Alen to refine their proposals.
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APPROACH
Most voting in NYC takes place in public schools, which provides an opportunity for civic engagement to occur within these educational institutions. Our proposal offers a curriculum of collective storytelling and cultural archiving. Given the current political rhetoric around national identity we need to reflect on diversity. This curriculum engages parents through excavating their histories while empowering children as the future generation of voters. Students collect their family history, highlighting diverse heritages across the US. Once workshopped, the stories become an interactive artifact distributed to voters in line. Showcasing their plurality allows neighbors to find common ground through unexpected conversations around identity and difference. Addressing these themes bridges challenges around belonging and citizenship. This proposal offers an occasion to reflect on what unites us.
OUTCOMES
in.site were recognized as Finalists in 2nd place at the competition and subsequently were invited to take part as facilitators in a public program designed by Van Alen as a continuation of their Mandate Fall Festival.
LEARN MORE
Van Alen: Open Poll