One line that stood out is when Calder is writing about the risks of backcasting and brainstorming when it comes to creating an action plan, the major risk being that “anything is possible given a long enough timeline” (2010, p. 45). This, of course, is not a controversial statement. It’s also not central to Calder’s thesis. But it stood out to me because, like most things I’m interested in, it reminded me of me. It’s something that I love to say clients when asked about communications projects (I also like to add in the word “budget”). Even with this project, indeed, given a long enough timeline, anything is possible.

The pieces are intended to be displayed together, either next to each other or apart (with either piece appearing first). The space that separates the works conveys the length of the timeline that has been given (arbitrary, either by the creator, the curator, or the commissioner).

By being able to choose both the separation space and the order, the curator becomes part of the remix. The viewer/reader is forced to create everything in their own mind (anything) along with the steps to do so within the arbitrary timeline. This simulates either a feeling of dread (at the endless possibilities) or joy (at the endless possibilities). It is also a stark reminder that despite the truth of this statement, the reality of and for each person is a very limited timeline.

References

Calder, M. J. (2010). Engaging the community: Communications strategies in municipal sustainability planning in Alberta. doi:https://doi.org/10.7939/R3707WV90