Walking Tour
2008
community engagement
The Vacated Spaces of Central Winnipeg Research Association (artists Suzie Smith and Kristin Nelson) combines historical fact with urban legend in the creation of a guided walking tour of empty spaces of Winnipeg's downtown and West End neighborhoods. Each "site of interest" is identified by a marker placed on the property, playing with ideas of historical and heritage demarcation. A self-guided tour is also available through a brochure. The project highlights 10 vacant lots, derelict buildings, and houses located between the current residences of Smith and Nelson. Residents along the route of the tour have been asked to participate, giving their own version of events. This combination of VSCWRA research and the residents' oral history has built a well-rounded historical investigation of often forgotten and neglected urban spaces.
Winnipeg, (‘win’-muddy, ‘nippee’ -water, in Western Cree) Canada is situated on Treaty 1 Territory, the territories of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Nations, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
All images copyright Kristin Nelson, 2021.