Presented at APARN Conference, Bangkok | 2 Jul, 2025

Abstract

The Ecologies of Participation (EoP) collaborative began in 2024 with a common interest in participatory practices across fine arts, cultural studies, and architecture. Over the past year, we have held panel talks and methods workshops, inviting local and international arts practitioners and scholars to share their works and exchange ideas. The research question stems from disciplinary understandings about “participation” to seek common ground in interdisciplinary collaboration. This paper presents the research-creation process and the outcome of a prototype that involves multiple participatory methods, including field recording, urban mapping, generative AI, ethnographic artistic creation and VR world-building. Taking the vibrant Prince Edward Flower Market in Hong Kong as a study site, the prototype produces multiple alternative imaginaries of the area at risk of losing its character due to the anticipated government-led urban renewal plans. It demonstrates an ecological approach to understanding the agency of diverse actors, where both human and technology play a role as participant-creators. Recognising art as a social process of exchange, the initial findings suggest participatory practices as a collective form of knowledge production, and through technology to expand our imaginations of the city and everyday environment.

Keywords: Participatory Practices, Socially Engaged Art, Sound Art, Urban Space, Technology-enabled participation, Ecologies

Melody H Yiu (School of Architecture), Ashley Lee Wong (Dept of Cultural and Religious Studies), Sui Fong Yim (Dept of Fine Arts), The Chinese University of Hong Kong