Mapping Sustainability and Biodiversity in our Local Area

• Jina Lee - Presenting

  University of Arts London, Livingmaps Network

ABSTRACT

The workshop, hosted by Livingmaps Network at RGS, will give participants the opportunity to create a personalised map using the TalkingMap method in an informal and relaxed setting. The TalkingMap is an interdisciplinary map-making tool created by artist and researcher Jina Lee to potentially map and capture the hidden voices of people. Beyond the conventional map, it uses critical cartographic methods and contemporary drawing practices to gather information about a particular place, its inhabitants and their narratives through oral history and interviews. This method was originally intended to create a life map, but has been widely used as a participatory mapping tool in a variety of contexts, including collaborations with local communities, institutions and organisations serving different age groups. In this workshop, participants are asked to draw a map of their home town, with a particular focus on changes in their local environment. The two words local and global can be seen as asymmetrical, but they are inseparable, as small changes we make locally lead to big impacts globally. By looking closely at your local environment, such as trees, parks, rivers, public spaces, social communities, urban animals, etc., this workshop aims to re-invigorate and re-habituate our daily lives so that we can take responsibility for sustainability and biodiversity in our local area. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is necessary. Anyone willing to have fun with the art materials provided and share their stories with others is welcome.