2016 Wakefield District
The Wakefield Centre for Dark Matter was part of a commission for Wakefield Arts Partnership (a collective of Wakefield based organisations and individuals including The Hepworth, Nostell, National Coal Mining Museum and led by Beam public arts) to undertake a research and engagement project across the Wakefield district focusing on its hidden and under appreciated aspects.
The project involved a travelling pyramid that appeared at events and places across the district. The pyramid acted as a vessel for gathering information and anecdotes from people as well as displaying their contributions. The design incorporated special codes so that the pyramid acted as a digital canvas for an Augmented Reality experience. Viewing it through an iPad or smartphone allowed you to see inside. The contents of the pyramid were constellations that represented people, groups or events from Wakefield’s past, present and future that people thought deserved more recognition or that were special to them. After browsing the contents of the pyramid visitors were asked what they would put inside and these contributions were included in future appearances.
The contributions were archived as a digital gallery. Other outcomes included a set of Divination Cards that were used in fortune readings, a Wakefield Zodiac print and performance for voice and synthesizer performance.
Andy Abbott / ADRA Projects 