Of the People
The ideals, liberties, and rights anchoring equity, justice, and freedom are not static but have evolved over time throughout historical and cultural processes. Whether rooted in democracy or other societal systems throughout our world, each of these concepts is deeply intertwined with the essence of humanity, embodying values that resonate with the core of our collective existence and the belief in the equal standing of all members of society. This ethos aligns seamlessly with humanity's innate desire for self-expression and participation, affirming that the richness of diverse perspectives strengthens the fabric of society, transcends divisions, and acknowledges the inherent worth and dignity of every individual within our collective "we."
Of the People amplifies a call for our collective attention and action. It is an immersive journey reminding us that the ideals, liberties, and rights we cherish are not abstract concepts but living values reinforced by the voices and lived experiences of the people. Each personal story, courageous act, and sacrifice reveals movements of a universal resiliency within social and spatial phenomena, propelling hope and transformative pathways to uphold and nurture these concepts, oftentimes in the face of tremendous unknowns and adversities.
Participants are invited to rekindle their understanding of the ideals, liberties, and rights that dictate their realization of equality, equity, justice, or freedom. This curated experience provokes thoughts, questions, and dialogue around various themes and topics to uncover and shed light on the ways we strive for an authentic and true practice of such concepts. Each engagement activates a call to action to a wider community of change agents, encouraging pathways for collective participation in stewarding a just and inclusive society.
In partnership with the firm, Practice of Democracy, we co-facilitate a a fellowship and pop-up public studio in connection with the immersive experience, Of the People… The various activities include participatory research and design processes to be incorporated into the experience. We begin by identifying fellows through our fellowship pathways. Once the fellowship cohort is identified, fellows are engaged in an introductory workshop session that introduces them to the framework. Depending on the scope of the engagement, fellows then select from the numerous opportunities to assist in activating Of the People… in the host city.