Snout aims to create conversations about the health of our local communities and environments through physical interventions in public space, and by the collection, collation and aggregation of data – environmental, statistical, social & cultural – about the places we inhabit. By exploring the human and natural ecologies of the world around us we become aware of our own impact on our environment. Picturing what we know, and discussing it with others offers an opportunity to change what we do, why we do it and what kind of future we wish to grow into.
Snout uses the theme of carnival and two specific characters, Mr Punch and the Plague Doctor, to suggest fun and engaging ways to collect data about the environment (through sensors in the costumes) and to start conversations with friends, neighbours and other people around us as part of popular events and festivals.
The Snout costumes are instrumented with four sensors (Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Benzene & Noise) and LED displays. Snout proposes ‘participatory sensing’ as a lively addition to the popular artform of carnival costume design, engaging the community in an investigation of its own environment, something usually done by local authorities and state agencies.
Scavenging – a recipe for public authoring
To enable online conversations as a pivot for wider community engagement, Proboscis is developing a scavenged web interface using free mapping and sharing technologies. Through this kind of guerilla public authoring communities can gather and visualise local environmental evidence, which can then become the basis for participating in or initiating local action. Snout is a model for social and cultural action that could be adopted by schools, carnival clubs or other community groups.
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Venue: Cargo, 83 Rivington St, Kingsland Viaduct, London, EC2A 3AY
The performance will start at Cargo and the route will include Hoxton
Square and Hoxton Market
Dates/Times: Tuesday 10 April, Performance 10am, Conference 1.30-5pm.
Tube: Old St, Liverpool St
Admission: Free, but booking is essential (via inIVA)
Access: Limited, please call in advance for details
Information: +44 (0)20 7729 9616, www.iniva.org, institute@iniva.org
Supported by Arts Council England & Esmée Fairbairn
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