Guidebooks from Memory is a community art project toward the creation of physical 'guidebooks' to communities in southern Ontario. Unlike traditional tourist guides which highlight local attractions, these books present a community-sourced anthology of memories, and invite you to experience your city through the stories of your neighbours.
It's a project that asks: What places in your city hold significance for you? What memories continue to linger or haunt your street, your neighbourhood, your commute to work?
Since 2016, we've embedded ourselves in local communities and, in working with artists, galleries, theatre companies, festivals, museums, drop-in centres, retirement residences, universities, and BIAs, have created guidebooks for Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and Kingston.
In the coming months we're looking forward to expanding the series even further with projects in-progress for both Mississauga and Oshawa! Explore the links below to learn about your local project, submit your memories, or grab a copy of the books!
images from Kingston: a guidebook from memory by Grace Dixon