HEAR HERE: community, 2023

Graphic markers, media paper, 12" x 15", Plexi floating frame

Courtesy of Commons Archive-marksearch

Part of series of drawings based on handwritten responses gathered from North Oakland neighbors during events supported by the HEAR HERE Community Billboard Truck. The HEAR/HERE Community Billboard is a custom-built vintage EV truck designed by the Oakland-based creative team 'marksearch'. Equipped with a 6-foot digital screen, sound system and an eye-catching static display board, this art vehicle invites neighbors to listen and learn, gather and share stories, and build trust within communities. Since its launch in Spring 2022, HEAR/HERE has supported over 40 community events in North and North-West Oakland by sharing provocative questions for engagement and showcasing recorded stories and images of the area's vibrant, disappearing Black history. We collaborate with equity-aligned community organizations to support these neighbor-empowering activities. Community engagers gathered over 300 handwritten responses about pressing local issues: 'How should community history be preserved for future generations?'; 'What have you experienced about the displacement of the Black community?'; 'What do you need in your community to feel safe?'; 'What can we do to end homeless crisis in the Bay Area?' and more.
Learn more at www.commonsarchive.net