Opening Doors and Sitting on Floors: Public Events in Private Spaces: the (re)-appropriation of space through grassroots events in Halifax

Abstract

As a group of university students, we came together to discuss social trends we had noticed around our respective neighbourhoods in Halifax. We set out to investigate public events in private spaces. We found that these private spaces included the backyards and living rooms of those hosting the events. We focused on four case studies, which included an open-mic show, an art show, a lecture series event and a story-telling session to gather our research. It appears that this trend represents a need for a greater sense of community within our city and an outlet to share creative projects and ideas. The concept of blurring the boundary between public and private spaces is indicative of greater social support within an urban community.