The Vacant Windows Project
In an effort to animate DTES storefronts, four windows were chosen to highlight local resident’s stories of winter traditions and celebrations. The window displays were on show in December 2008.
Six University of British Columbia (UBC) theatre design students decorated the windows as a graduation project. Students went to more than a dozen community meetings to engage and gather ideas from community members.
All installations are temporary except for the space at the Aboriginal Front Door, where the installation will remain a permanent space for art selected by the Aboriginal Front Door.
Participants in the project include:
- UBC theatre design instructors and students
- The Mavor Moore Theatre Society
- Carnegie Community Centre
- The Aboriginal Front Door
- The Strathcona Business Improvement Association
- The Listening Post
- 319 Cinema
- The Heart of the City Festival
Animating streetscapes encourages people to connect with one another in meaningful ways. It also re-establishes a sense of community pride for local residents and business owners.
The Mavor Moore Theatre Society will make evaluation and feedback results available upon completion.