Walter Reed Dreams: Shared Stories on January 9, 2017
The LRA invites the WRCAC members to participate in a unique Art event, Walter Reed Dreams: Shared Stories, which provides a special opportunity for residents to share and record their unique memories of the historic Walter Reed site. These stories will help shape multiple public art projects that will be featured on the campus in Spring 2017. The event will be held PRIOR to the Walter Reed CAC Meeting.
Monday, January 9, 2017
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST
Shepherd Elementary School
7800 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 200012
Shared Stories – 1.9.2017 – 1pager
*ABOUT WALTER REED DREAMS
CulturalDC has joined forces with residents and businesses of Ward 4 to present “Walter Reed Dreams,” a community-driven arts and culture tribute, featuring multiple activities as part of the redevelopment of the Walter Reed Campus.
In 1904, Major William C. Borden envisioned a complex that would combine medical treatment, research, and education together—the framework for the future Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It was called “Borden’s Dream” by a doubtful congressman. Here we are again, a century later facing another changed space with an innovative future. In the 100-year history of the hospital, we can imagine that there were countless moments of reflection and interaction, thoughts about mortality, duty, faith, and nearby residents who grew to love this anchor in their community. In the end, those who came before us have no way of knowing if we’ll remember them—their stories, their passions, the intricacies of their lives. It’s an act of faith that we must honor.
The stories, dreams, and insights captured from residents of Ward 4 will be highlighted by artistic experiences that will invite further community participation and moments for reflection. CulturalDC will host multiple events in Ward 4 leading up to a culminating community celebration at Walter Reed in the spring of 2017.
In celebrating Walter Reed’s past, present, and future, our first and most important job has been to listen; to residents’ stories about the way things were and to hone in on the love, wonder, and mystery the Walter Reed campus evokes as Ward 4 considers the direction of the site’s development for an intergenerational neighborhood.
We will invite all of the District to experience the strength of Walter Reed’s legacy through the community’s collective input, as it is translated by Ward 4 artists, musicians, and creatives. In the coming months the community will be invited to marvel at the spectacle of the site’s history, their neighbor’s stories, and the coming transformation of Walter Reed.
Join us and tell us your stories about the past, your excitement for the future, and all of things that comprise your Walter Reed Dreams.
For more information contact: samantha@culturaldc.org or 202.315.1307
