Pathways To Freedom
![](/sites/all/themes/arts_zen/images/favorites_icon.png)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
![](https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/styles/rectanble_280x220/public/yir/Overview%20Pathways%20Dave%20Lally%20sm.jpg?itok=6cVehJRN)
Pathways to Freedom was a public art installation on Boston Common in Spring 2018, inspired by the universal themes of the Passover Exodus story and commissioned by the Jewish Arts Collaborative. Created by internationally-acclaimed social sculptor Julia Vogl, the project engaged a broad multi-cultural audience from across the area in a community-wide dialogue around freedom and immigration. Across Greater Boston, 1,800 people in 27 locations, ranging from inner-city community centers and housing complexes to suburban museums and shopping malls, answered four multiple-choice questions about their own stories of freedom and immigration. Each of the possible 33 answers were represented by a uniquely designed sticker. Using the stickers, each person made a pin based on their answers. The artist designed the questions, software, a special moveable kiosk, and colorful stickers for the pins. The designs of each pin were then included in the 6,000 sq. ft. installation covering the pathway around the historic Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Upon installation, people were encouraged to go to the site and find their unique pin on the design. The installation was viewed by an estimated 25,000 Boston residents and tourists. Audio stories of 44 participants complemented the project, and visitors to the site could enter a code on their phones (available through special signage) and listen to the stories. The audio stories are still available online at https://jartsboston.org/pathways. The project was an unparalleled success, with articles about it in major Boston media, including the Boston Globe,an extended segment on television and a half-hour radio segment. Originally scheduled as a week-long exhibition, the project drew so many responses that the city extended the installation for two additional weeks.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT TEAM
https://jartsboston.org
Laura Mandel, Executive Director - [email protected]
Joey Baron, Artistic Director, Jewish Arts Collaborative - [email protected]