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CREATING WHIMSY 101: HOW TO ACTIVATE A SPACE

1) FIRST.. YOU NEED A SPACE! LOCATE A SPACE:

Spaces that are active already are the easiest to activate, as these will have pedestrian traffic already (think: parks, community hubs)
Try it on Hard Mode: Choose an under-utilized space to bring it back to life
Small spaces = big impact! Don’t get overwhelmed: you can start small, with your neighbourhood, your block or even just your friend group

2) THEN, YOU NEED AN IDEA.. TIME TO BRAINSTORM!:

Focus on your passions. Your interests & hobbies are great starting points for inspiration. If you are passionate about something, it’s a sign you have something there to share. Excitement is contagious: pass it on!
Consider your unique skillsets. What do you have a knack for? How can you share your talents with others?
Where your passions & skills intersect is ideal, but you don’t need to be an expert to start a project.

3) OUTREACH:

Are there any groups in Lethbridge already doing something similar? (Societies, charities, not-for-profits, groups or businesses may be interested in partnering with you, or simply sharing resources/information if your interests align! Networking makes growth happen quicker!)
Get the OK! If you’d like to activate a private space or public park on a larger scale, there may be special permits or permissions you require. Look before you leap!

4) BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY:

Give your project a name & let people know you exist!
Encourage sharing on social media platforms & add your event to local event calendars.
Printing posters or handouts can be a powerful way to spread information quickly. There are many places around Lethbridge that will allow you to share posters in their windows or bulletin boards. You can also use community hubs such as poles downtown, at the library, in front of SAAG, etc.
On this note: don’t forget to share! You can’t build community alone. Champion & support others in your community who are doing important, inspiring work. A kind comment or a share online goes a long way!

5) THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP: DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!

Lethbridge sometimes can be a “slow adopter” of new ideas, but please remember: if people don’t engage with your project immediately, it DOES NOT MEAN your idea is bad!
Be open to feedback: use discussions, feedback stations, or polls online to collect information about what worked & what didn’t. These can be very informal! The most important part: let people help you.
Be open to the pivot: sometimes a small tweak is all you need to gain momentum. Think of this work as an “experiment” – the results are data you can use to build. Sometimes the journey leads you down a different path. Be flexible!
Whether you do one installation, one event, or a repeated, expanding project.. be sure to take the time to enjoy it, too! Organizing can be difficult work & involves some emotional risk, but like all art: you bravely sharing your vulnerability shows others it’s okay to share theirs, too. This is how we grow!

WISH LIST / IDEA BANK:

Need a lil' inspo? We'd love to help! Here are some ideas we'd love to see in our communities. Got another one we haven't listed you'd like to share? Email us & we'll add it to the wish list!

1. Little Zine Exchange

Create a craft station where participants can D-I-Y zines.
Encourage participants to bring supplies to share.

2. Community Seed Swap

Host a seed exchange event in a local park where participants can bring seeds to trade with others.
Provide educational workshops on gardening and sustainable practices.

3. Interactive Poetry Wall

Install a large chalkboard or whiteboard in a public space where people can write and share poems or thoughts.
Include prompts to inspire creativity and encourage participation from all ages.

4. Neighborhood Art Gallery

Use fences or walls to hang art created by locals, turning public spaces into open-air galleries.
Organize art walks where community members can explore and discuss the exhibits.
Offer workshops on art techniques and showcase the work of emerging local artists.

5. Music Exchange Station

Set up a community music station where people can leave and swap CDs, vinyl, or instruments.
Organize live music sessions or open mic nights to encourage local talent.
Create a playlist featuring music from community members and share it online.

6. Free Skill-Sharing Workshops

Host workshops where community members can teach each other new skills, like knitting, coding, or cooking.
Use public spaces like libraries or community centers for the sessions.
Encourage participants to share their experiences and knowledge through social media.

7. Storytelling Bench

Place a bench in a public park with a sign inviting people to share stories or listen to others.
Organize storytelling events where participants can gather to hear local tales or personal narratives.
Record and share stories online to preserve community heritage.

8. Pop-Up Swap Shop

Organize a pop-up shop where residents can trade gently used items like clothes, toys, or kitchenware.
Designate drop-off points for donations and sort items by category.
Encourage sustainability by promoting the benefits of recycling and reducing waste.

9. Outdoor Movie Nights

Host movie screenings in a park or community space using a projector and a large screen.
Invite local vendors to provide snacks or drinks for attendees.
Feature films that reflect community interests.

10. Sidewalk Chalk Galleries

Organize a day where residents can use chalk to create art on sidewalks.
Provide chalk supplies and designate specific areas for drawing.
Host a walk-through event to showcase the completed artworks.

11. Community Game Swap (Board Games, Puzzles, Video Games)

Host game nights to encourage social interaction and fun.
Encourage donations of gently used games to expand the collection.

12. Pop-Up Repair Cafes

Host events where volunteers help fix broken items, promoting sustainability and skill-sharing.
Provide tools and materials needed for common repairs.
Encourage community members to learn new skills and reduce waste.

13. Public Dance Pop-Ups

Offer free dance workshops in public spaces, featuring a variety of styles like salsa, hip-hop, or ballroom.
Encourage participation from all ages.
Organize community dance-offs or showcases to celebrate local talent.

Cool stuff happening elsewhere..

Park(ing) Day: temporary street takeovers that reclaim streets for the people. myparkingday.org

Sidewalk Joy Project: free, curated installations that bring a bit of whimsy & inspiration to the community. worldwidesidewalkjoy.com

One Million Experiments: curated collection of community-based safety projects exploring how we define and create wellness and reduce harm. millionexperiments.com

The Awesome Foundation: ever-growing worldwide community devoted to forwarding the interest of awesome in the universe using micro grant support for creative community ideas. awesomefoundation.org

FUN INITIATIVES HAPPENING IN CALGARY...

ActivateYYC: a community focused, tactical urbanism program offering microgrants, resources & education for creative street and mobility related projects. ActivateYYC projects rethink the uses of roads to make them safer, easier and more inviting. calgarycommunities.com

Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP Festival): Calgary’s most expansive public art initiative, reshaping neighborhoods with cutting-edge installations and progressive public programming. Artist-led and community-powered, BUMP pioneers a new vision for Calgary’s urban spaces, positioning public art as a catalyst for cultural transformation and collective imagination. yycbump.ca

RESOURCES IN LETHBRIDGE...

League of Lethbridge Neighbourhoods: connecting neighbours and building community through education, resources and event support via their rentable Neighbourhood Celebration Trailer (a mobile resource with everything needed to host a memorable block party, neighbourhood celebration, or community event. From outdoor games, equipment, to seating and entertainment supplies, the trailer has it all! yqlneighbourhoods.ca

Environment Lethbridge's Gift Economy Collection: The gift economy operates alongside the market economy. The gift economy can be as simple as the exchange of gifts between friends or as complex as a regional public library. Environment Lethbridge has curated a collection of resources in the community, which can be found here! environmentlethbridge.ca/gift-economy

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