Thank you for taking part in this survey about you and the priority neighbourhood you live in! The answers you share will inspire the creation of five unique community portraits by artist Dani Crosby - each image representing one of the priority neighbourhoods. Each artwork will also be accompanied by a soundscape that incorporates elements of the recorded responses - so as people view each piece they will also hear the voices of those who know these neighbourhoods best, creating a more immersive experience for all who experience the work. The artworks and accompanying soundscapes will be exhibited on-line for everyone once they are complete, and exhibited in public for all to see once we can gather together again safely. We'll keep you posted about when and where those things will happen.

This project was inspired by conversations held at the LivingRoom Community Art Studio about the Durham Region Health Neighbourhoods Report with folks living in Oshawa’s priority neighbourhoods. We agreed that the issues in the report were very real, and impacted many of us in varying ways that needed to be adressed. However, the conversations about the report also highlighted the stigma that those of us living in these neighbourhoods often experienced as a result of having our communities - and by extension ourselves - predominantly referred to in negative or problem centred ways. It was then that we decided to create an arts project that would explore, document and honour aspects of our lived experience that rarely receive attention. In a world that sometimes makes us feel like we're a problem - it's sometimes important to remind ourselves and others that what we really are is a resource.

About this process: This is an audio survey, so before you begin please check to make sure that the microphone on your phone or computer is enabled. If you would prefer to complete a written version, answers can be typed instead. Written responses may be recorded by volunteers to be used in the soundtrack to the artworks. Identifying information will not be included in the project, however your voice and the stories you share may be recognised by friends or loved ones. By participating in this survey, you are providing consent to use the information you share as well as elements of your audio responses in the final art project. If you have any questions about the project, please email us at info@livingroomcommunityartstudio.org. All answers are greatly appreciated. We look forward to hearing your stories!