Abstract:
In 2016, the International Union of Geological Sciences will decide whether or not
human impact on the Earth constitutes a new geologic epoch – the
Anthropocene. If agreed upon, this epoch will acknowledge the effects human
agency has upon the stratigraphic record, and the implications of a human-driven
world. Reimagining the River takes the global Anthropocene to the City of
Indianapolis by creating an outdoor museum of the White River. This museum
exhibit will display the past, present, and future of the White River, showcasing
the historical narrative of the human-river relationship. Exploring the
Anthropocene through the story of the White River will engage the citizens of
Indianapolis to develop a sense of ownership for the intertwined state of the
River and Indianapolis. The intention of this engagement is to build a community
that reimagines what the river was, is, and can become. Reimagining the River
will be located on the White River State Park Bridge, and will feature audiovisual
elements that relate current scenes surrounding the River to the past. Historical
photographs complemented with a brief historical narrative will be juxtaposed
with the areas surrounding the installation, framing Indianapolis’ urban
environment as the exhibit. The installation will be accessible to all
demographics, including children and individuals with disability. The exhibit will
also include resources to encourage further audience participation, including
podcasts, geocaching, and a website. Ongoing research pathways will be
created to encourage the tracking and measurement of audience engagement
and understanding of how human agency has affected the White River, its
tributaries, and the City of Indianapolis.
