Workshop and local research
The “Cultural and Historical Awareness for Active Citizenship” (CHAC) project aims to initiate a community engagement process of active citizenship. We’ve been busy throughout the month of September, introducing public and oral history methodologies to younger citizens, through training and workshops.
SOHO Studios opened their doors for us, and we spend 10 days researching and documenting the history and current state of the Sandleitenhof. Using oral history methodologies, the participants engaged with local community members and conducted local history research. Through interviews and exchanges, they collected stories, visual materials, historical documents etc. on the Sandleitenhof: it’s past, present, future.
History in the making
Sandleiten (16th district of Ottakring), is a municipal housing complex with originally 1,587 apartments, built in five stages between 1924 and 1928 as part of the housing policy of “Red Vienna”
Today, it houses a vibrant and diverse community, with residents from all backgrounds – which is why we selected the location for our field research. We believe the unique stories and perspectives to come out of the area will help us visualize history and citizens perceptions from a multitude of different angles.
Exhibit of initial results
10 days of research and exploration culminated in an exhibition of the initial research results!
Following workshops on oral history methodologies, our participants explored the Sandleitenhof in Vienna’s Ottakring District, where they engaged with citizens, gathered stories and perspectives from the “other” angle, and created works and documentations they felt explored the unique and rich historical tapestry of this Viennese Neighbourhood.
Exhibition in March
The work in progress exhibit was promising, and as our participants continue to explore and create, we’re looking forward to putting on the curated exhibition in March 2025. We’ll be providing updates on exact date and location, so stay tuned!
