Exhibit Space, Floor 1
October 10–11

A list of all events taking place in this room during the symposium

The Community First Toolkit Workshop: Examine History

October 10
10:15 – 11:15 AM


Understanding the cultural and historical context of public spaces is essential for creating inclusive, equitable environments. This workshop introduces the "Examine History" tools of the High Line Network's Community First Toolkit designed to help organizations uncover their site's ties to complex legacies—both positive and negative. Participants will explore how acknowledging these connections can honor the past while fostering more inclusive future developments. By embracing historical insights, we can shape public spaces that reflect and respect diverse histories and build stronger, more resilient communities. This session empowers project leaders to navigate the past and create meaningful spaces that truly serve all community members.

Attendees will learn about the tools available in the Examine History toolkit section, and complete an activity on Mapping Community Assets.


Facilitators:

Justin Wong
Teaching Artist, High Line

Luna Fu
Community Engagement Coordinator, High Line

Making Space for Social Impact

October 10
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM


Fostering greater social cohesion and fairness is crucial today as societies face increasing divides and disparities. Forward-thinking placemaking can reshape public spaces to not only address these immediate social challenges but also build stronger, more resilient communities capable of thriving amidst change and diversity. Join leading designers, writers, and practitioners as they share innovative approaches to creating public spaces that drive positive change in public space design.


Moderator:

Nu Goteh
Founder/Principal, Room for Magic

Panelists:

Lauren Hood
Founder, Chief Visionary & Assistant Professor, Institute For AfroUrbanism; Taubman College at the University of Michigan

Jennifer Goold
Executive Director, Neighborhood Design Center

Zahra Ebrahim
Co-Founder, Monumental

Christoper Locke
Co-Founder/CEO; Board Member, Designing in Color; CicLAvia

The Community First Toolkit Workshop: Examine History

October 11
10:15 – 11:15 AM


Understanding the cultural and historical context of public spaces is essential for creating inclusive, equitable environments. This workshop introduces the "Examine History" tools of the High Line Network's Community First Toolkit designed to help organizations uncover their site's ties to complex legacies—both positive and negative. Participants will explore how acknowledging these connections can honor the past while fostering more inclusive future developments. By embracing historical insights, we can shape public spaces that reflect and respect diverse histories and build stronger, more resilient communities. This session empowers project leaders to navigate the past and create meaningful spaces that truly serve all community members.

Attendees will learn about the tools available in the Examine History toolkit section, and complete an activity on Mapping Community Assets.


Facilitators:

Justin Wong
Teaching Artist, Friends of the High Line

Rebecca Chan
Executive Director, Friends of the Rail Park

Making Place for Makers

October 11
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM


Art can build trust, raise awareness, and connect people to community and place. This session explores how artists shape public spaces and how collaborating with artists can amplify progress and foster deeper connections with community. Learn from artist-led initiatives that inspire and engage diverse audiences, transforming public spaces into vibrant community hubs.


Moderator:

To be announced

Panelists:

Amelia “Fiera” Duran
Executive Director, Garage Cultural

Leah Houston
Executive Director, MABELLEarts

Oren Goldenberg
Cultural Janitor, Dreamtroit

Matthew Naimi
Cultural Janitor, Dreamtroit

See Highlights from our Previous Symposium