DodoLab's goal with its Ideas of Canada programme at Harbourfront Centre (and through various off-site collaborations in Toronto) is to creatively explore current perceptions of the country and provoke critical and thoughtful reflections on the ideas that continue to shape and define national identity. Through iconography and objects, DodoLab looks to trigger responses and discussions, to question and think harder about the stories told and imagery projected about this nation, many of which have become empty clichés and rote definitions.
For Phase One of the programme, DodoLab is designing an interactive installation featuring a collection of "representative objects" of Canada for visitors to Harbourfront Centre to respond to. The installation will utilize the building's vitrines and will be accompanied by a billboard at the entrance to the building. Key to DodoLab's work are creative labs that involve the public in playful hands-on activities, and they will be launching this aspect of their activity during Harbourfront Centre's Canada Day Festival.
All of the above work will lead to Phase Two of the programme – a publication and an installation as part of Harbourfront Centre's visual arts fall exhibitions roster.
Website: dodolab.ca | Twitter: @dodolab
> About DodoLab
DodoLab is an art and design–based programme lead by Lisa Hirmer and Andrew Hunter that researches, engages and responds to contemporary community challenges, with a particular focus on the natural world, social systems, the built environment and cities in transition. They employ creative public interventions that are truly collaborative, encourage and evolve out of dialogue and critical reflection, and that strive for tangible and meaningful outcomes. DodoLab is consistently interested in the barriers to adaptation and change, and engaging the public in public through projects that involve individuals and organizations who bring a diversity of experience and expertise. DodoLab's always evolving methods of engagement reflect Hirmer and Hunter's backgrounds in art, design, architecture, education, writing, image making and installation. Both DodoLab principals are Adjunct Faculty and Researchers at Waterloo Architecture (University of Waterloo School of Architecture).
DodoLab is a programme of Waterloo Architecture funded by Musagetes and enhanced by commissioned collaborations with individuals and organizations in Canada and Internationally (including universities, municipalities, social service organizations and the arts). Since its launch in the spring of 2009, DodoLab has worked across Canada, in the United Kingdom and Croatia. Current active projects include work in Waterloo/Wellington Region, Greater Sudbury, Rijeka (Croatia), Lethbridge (Alberta), Prince Edward Island, Norfolk (United Kingdom) and in Toronto (with Harbourfront Centre and the Textile Museum of Canada). DodoLab works on an ongoing basis with such like-minded collectives as BrokenCityLab (Windsor) and proboscis (London, UK).
