Walking the creek: reconnecting place through light projection

Edensor, Tim and Andrews, Julie (2019) Walking the creek: reconnecting place through light projection. Geographical Research, 57 (3). pp. 263-274. ISSN 1745-5863

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Abstract

In this paper, we explore how a light projection sought to convey a range of qualities:conviviality, a sense of place, playfulness, defamiliarisation, and the affective andsensory capacities that were experienced through walking in the distinctive, liminalrealm of Bendigo Creek in Victoria, Australia. The projection aspired to solicit asensory and affective empathy that chimed with the experiences of an earlier eventin which dozens of pedestrians werefilmed walking in the creek. The projectioncontributed to a local campaign to reappraise the much-maligned creek as a localpublic amenity. We discuss the productive potential of solitary and collectivewalking and, subsequently, the attributes of the projection in its static and mobilemanifestation. In so doing, we suggest that publicly engaged, inclusive, creativepractice can offer potent place-making possibilities.