New Connections, Meanings, Practices: EcoGPX® Evaluation Highlights Significant Impact in Coventry

LONDON - Nov. 15, 2024 - PRLog -- A Project of New Connections
EcoGPX® has brought together artists, practitioners, and communities in Coventry, creating a dynamic and inclusive creative network. Through four artistic residencies, the project has:

• Connected artists and practitioners: Diverse artists from various disciplines collaborated to form a supportive and enduring creative community.
• Connected communities: By valuing cultural diversity and encouraging mutual understanding, EcoGPX® cultivated connections across Coventry's multifaceted communities.
• Connected people with the city: Participants rediscovered Coventry's green and blue spaces, deepening their sense of belonging and nurturing meaningful ties to their surroundings.

Reimagining Places and Perspectives
Central to EcoGPX® is the development of the Places mobile app, a unique platform that engages people with the culture of places. The app allows Contributors to 'place' videos and photos/text guides, offering Viewers a playful digital insight into Coventry's streets, parks, and landmarks.
"Through the Places app, everyday places are transformed into vibrant canvases for storytelling, artistic expression, and shared memories," said Dr. Jo Scott. "This unique blend of technology and creativity encourages fresh ways of connecting with both the city and ourselves."

Empowering New Creative Practices
EcoGPX® (https://www.interculturalroots.org/project/ecogpx) has set a new benchmark for community-centred creative practices by combining:

• Ethical use of technology: The Places app provides an inclusive, intuitive platform for sharing and experiencing art in meaningful ways.
• A co-creative approach: Residencies were shaped by deep listening and active engagement, ensuring activities reflected the voices of Coventry's communities.
• Sustainable models: The project developed adaptable frameworks, emphasising connection, creativity, and care.

Access the full the report:  Evaluation Report (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mMjUH1-uGWb9pxt4G9ymP1X-...)

Looking Ahead
The EcoGPX® model has far-reaching potential—from urban planning to healthcare—amplifying voices and building community resilience. This innovative approach opens pathways for social impact through creative engagement with place.
The Places app is ideal for independent artists or cultural and heritage organisations, providing a window into place-based work, a digital repository, and a tool for interactive engagement. It can also increase visitor numbers and enhance experiences.

About EcoGPX®
EcoGPX® is described by project lead Dr. Alex Boyd as "an augmented window into new ways of engaging and improving the quality of life in communities." Funded by a £100,000 Innovate UK grant, the project has used art and technology to bridge divides, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire lasting connections.

Test the Places mobile app:
Apple iPhone public link (https://testflight.apple.com/join/KrpnrR1n)
Android package (https://drive.google.com/file/d/16MJ-x-hacqAHU1ecVfBHBAgNJKoawlda/view?usp=drivesdk)

Please Contact Us to discuss potential partnerships: https://www.interculturalroots.org/contact-us