Mapping our stories, organizing our community

In the summer of 2005, Creative Narrations provided consulting and training to the Somerville Community Corporation in their mapping project of East Somerville. In a series of workshops, neighborhood residents learned the basics of still photography and digital audio. They then went out in the field, recording stories, images, and interviews in businesses, parks, street corners, and other places of significance. Residents wove these recordings, along with data such as air quality, green space, bus stops, etc. into a collective community map and website. Since 2005, SCC has used this map to better understand the patterns and experiences of neighborhood residents, and as an organizing tool at neighborhood meetings. In 2006, SCC received a grant from the Somerville Arts Council to turn this project into an interactive, online map. They are currently in the process of adding video clips of interviews to engage community residents in land use planning. Take a look!