Space is the place
Have you ever envisioned a place where social themes take center stage, where immersive experiences bring people together, and where connections are forged in ways that leave us feeling more united? Welcome to the world of social theme parks — a groundbreaking concept that has been brewing in my mind for years, and now it’s time to bring it to life.
Reflecting on my humble beginnings in 2002, when I created a community center in my family’s home, I had a vision. I sought to establish multiple spaces within my community that would serve as a network for young individuals eager to develop their skills and crafts. It was all in the pursuit of liberation and fostering productive citizenship within our community. Though my initial dream did not unfold precisely as planned, I carried within me the determination to reimagine and transform spaces wherever I went.
It wasn’t until two decades later, during my time in graduate school, that I discovered a name for what I had been intuitively doing all along: creative placemaking. This concept entails converting spaces into public havens that promote community well-being and happiness through artistic endeavors. I realized that this was precisely the path I had been treading, though articulating it as a profession had often been a challenge.
Throughout my MFA journey, I embarked with the notion that I needed to find the perfect language to translate my work and methods. However, I emerged with a newfound confidence that I should trust the words and definitions that resonated with me and my team, collectively forging a path forward. Hence, the term “social theme parks” emerged, and I resolved to consistently use it until it became clear and legible to all involved.
There is an inherent magic in theme parks — their whimsical nature allows visitors to momentarily suspend their realities and delve into alternate realms of possibility. Whether it’s the enchantment of Disney and Universal attractions or the surreal experiences of Meow Wolf and family entertainment centers, theme parks captivate our imagination. In my myriad creations over the years, I have sought to build places that uplift and enhance the lives of those who enter, ensuring they depart feeling better than when they arrived. These are spaces that nurture our spirits and propel us toward our highest potential.
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In my eyes, social theme parks act as portals of transformation and self-discovery. I firmly believe that communities require more outlets for individuals to seek support in their journey of becoming. We need places where people can receive assistance, acknowledge their current position, and have access to the necessary tools, resources, and time to practice being. While schools play a vital role, and social services are a privilege in many areas, I wanted to create accessible spaces available to anyone in need at any given time.
My first embodiment of this vision materialized in my community center model, which I affectionately named “Powerhouses.” The purpose of these centers was to provide a safe haven for teenagers — a place where they could dream freely and cultivate those dreams. It offered diverse studio access and a supportive network of mentors to guide them along their path, nurturing and empowering their creative minds to design their own journeys. At Powerhouses, our motto was clear: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Imagine having access to a network of portals that could guide and uplift you throughout your personal odyssey. Picture a space where motivation flourishes, blocks are dismantled, connections are forged, and a sense of belonging permeates every corner. This, my friends, encapsulates the essence of our initial space and the subsequent iterations that followed. We aspired to create an environment where anything felt possible — a sanctuary where encouragement and support thrived abundantly.
In the early days, sustainability and transforming what I was doing into a viable business model were not at the forefront of my mind. I was labeled a social entrepreneur, and I embraced it, as I was indeed creating something of value. However, I struggled to perceive my creations as profitable enterprises that could thrive in the world. Instead, I relied on creating missions and artistic projects funded by individuals who shared our vision, becoming benefactors invested in the outcomes and impact we had on the community. If it were up to me, there would be an “outcome tax” in place, where individuals contribute toward producing specific results they desire to witness in their communities and the world at large.
After years of exploring ways to sustain this vision and develop a scalable service, it became evident that establishing my own experience design studio was the way forward. And so, campUs Studios was born as the culmination of my capstone project at Bennington College. The primary objective of campUs is to create an experience industry in southern Vermont, working hand in hand with liberal arts college students and local talents. By reimagining underutilized spaces and places, our focus lies in crafting community-based, family-centered experiences while offering career opportunities to students and local talents. Additionally, our studios are open to creatives seeking residencies for their own artistic projects. The campUs footprint is currently taking shape in Bennington County, VT, and neighboring communities in New York and Massachusetts.
campUs represents the realization of a dream I harbored over two decades ago, now materializing as a design studio where I collaborate with world-class professionals and producers to bring extraordinary projects to life. Our fundamental goal is to transform spaces and places into catalysts for community growth and unity. Furthermore, we aim to provide inclusive opportunities for personal and artistic development, ensuring that our impact leaves an indelible mark on history for generations to come.
As we embark on this incredible journey, we invite you to join us in unlocking the power of social theme parks. Together, we can create spaces that transcend boundaries, foster connections, and inspire the human spirit. Let us shape a future where imagination flourishes, where dreams are nurtured, and where the collective potential of our communities is unleashed. The time has come to step into this wondrous realm, for social theme parks are not just places but transformative experiences that will shape the course of humanity. Together, we will make history, one dream at a time.
