Rape Park - A Workshop
Veronica Wiman
During two semesters the workshop RAPE PARK is held with art students. The workshop is designed and initiated by curator/researcher Veronica Wiman, Stockholm. The approach is trans-disciplinary. The workshop invites lecturers and collaborators from academic and professional disciplines like architecture, urban planning, gender studies, sociology, theology, police, medical care, social care, politicians and the church. The project plans also to invite and collaborate with activist groups, youth groups, church youth section etc.
The background: There is a "rape park" in almost every city. Women's fear and vulnerability in public space is universal and a subject of society - but as
well yours and mine. Our patriarchal society also dominates public space and
contemporary moral sense and it continues to demand girls to take
responsibility for male sexuality. RAPE PARK investigates art in the public realm and the power of artistic practice to research and effect civic concerns. Through the exchange within the interdisciplinary group and encounters with the city's architecture and society designers, the students develop personal and collaborative understandings and practice.
A Rape Park is part of an ongoing international curatorial/research project by Veronica Wiman called "FEAR and Gender in Public space", taking a local city and Nordic or global perspectives as a starting point. The ambition is to investigate Nordic and global perspectives on art in the public realm and to create a Nordic and International network. The research and network shall develop a deeper communication between the civic and those possessing the power structures in society. A Rape Park shall develop practice in the public realm that serves civic interests and needs.
The workshop unfolds in 4 parts during two semesters. Through each part the group develops an understanding and practice of art in the public realm in relation to fear and gender. From personal experiences to a specific case study of a local "rape" park, the project progress site specific projects and local communication.
The theme of fear is approached and mapped from personal understandings and experiences within the group. This is shared and communicated with the public in various methods such as actions and encounters in diverse venues.
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Building a Campaign in San Francisco
Building a City for Women
Rape Park - A Workshop
Where is an end to fear?
a la LA - Los Angeles - Fear and Gender in Public Space
Safety and Gender in Los Angeles
Mapping fear in Hollywood