Asian Media Access, in collaboration with the Asian American Business Resilience Network and Frogtown/Rondo Black Church Alliance, has launched “Project HOPE” (Healing Opportunity through Positive Evolution). This initiative aims to plan and develop an interactive AR/VR exhibition at the former St. Paul Sears parking lot, focusing on the historical and cultural impact of the I-94 construction on the Rondo neighborhood.
The Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul was a thriving African American community until the construction of I-94 in the 1960s, which displaced more than seven hundreds of families and fractured the neighborhood. “Project HOPE” seeks to address the lasting trauma and cultural dislocation caused by the highway’s construction. The project aligns with ongoing efforts in St. Paul to correct past injustices and promote a more inclusive future, reflecting community-driven plans to reclaim and celebrate the legacy of Rondo through arts and technology.
“Project HOPE” leverages arts, culture, and advanced technology to reinterpret and memorialize the Rondo neighborhood’s experiences during the construction of I-94. The project will create an immersive AR/VR exhibition at the former St. Paul Sears parking lot, designed to foster empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice. The exhibition will feature virtual tours of homes, stories from residents, and interactive elements showcasing the vibrant culture of Rondo before, during, and after the highway’s construction. These narratives, presented in an engaging and immersive way, aim to educate visitors on the historical and social implications of urban renewal projects, ensuring that the legacy of the Rondo community is both honored and remembered.
The project will also involve extensive community engagement, including research and story collection within the Rondo neighborhood to ensure the exhibition accurately reflects residents’ lived experiences. A social media campaign, featuring TikTok story videos as teasers, will keep the community engaged and involved throughout the project’s development.
In addition to its cultural and artistic goals, “Project HOPE” includes a workforce development initiative funded by DEED. This program will train 20 local community members in AR/VR technologies, equipping them with the skills necessary to support the lead artists and contribute to the exhibition’s creation. This effort will help strengthen the local economy by developing new digital arts skills and providing participants with valuable career opportunities in the growing field of immersive technology.
Overall, “Project HOPE” is a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative that preserves and honors the legacy of the Rondo community while fostering economic growth and resilience through the integration of arts, culture, and technology. The project aligns with the Creative Placemaking efforts, transforming underdeveloped neighborhoods into vibrant, resilient spaces with the ARTS at their core. For more information and story sharing: 612-376-7715 and amamedia@amamedia.org. For AR/VR Training cohort starting in Sept., 2024, please connect with Asian American Business Resilience Network at info@aabrn.org to sign up for this unique opportunity.
Photo Courtesy: Reconnect Rondo
