state of water: brooklyn waterfronts

Maya Simone Z.

Visit the project:

https://mayasimonez.com/state-of-water-brooklyn-waterfronts

About

state of water: brooklyn waterfronts is an oral history project that documents and archives NYC residents’ stories and experiences of flooding and how we exist in relationship with water. Through a series of interviews, conversations and interactions, this project centers how individuals, families and community members across Brooklyn neighborhoods on Lenapehoking exist in relationship with water and city infrastructure. Stories are powerful, important artifacts that show the effects of flooding and city policies and legislation on our lives. With a focus on community-based solutions to city-wide problems, this project chronicles first-hand accounts of flooding’s impact in Brooklyn waterfront neighborhoods. The experiences of residents and community members are integral to understand how water impacts our bodies, wellness and livelihoods. state of water began as conversations with community organizations, neighbors and organizers in Red Hook and Gowanus. The stories in state of water will be gathered during ongoing Listening Sessions in parks, libraries and community spaces in Brooklyn neighborhoods. With the gracious support of several folks and organizations, the stories and findings of this ongoing project will be documented in a digital web archive. This archive will be available for public access at stateofwater.us and is currently in development.

Given the growing body of data and increasing public awareness about flooding and climate disaster, I view the state of water archive of stories as fact or “data” that should be drawn on in future city planning. This archive is one way to understand how flood data and first-hand stories can both be engaged to map the real-life impacts of water and climate change. Flood data will be shared with community members during Listening Sessions throughout fall 2023. The oral histories and summarized flood data will also be accessible on the state of water web archive at stateofwater.us

News

What: state of water: brooklyn waterfronts is an oral history project that documents NYC residents’ stories and experiences of flooding and water. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, artist Maya Simone presents a conversation-based session to consider how folks living in Brooklyn neighborhoods on Lenapehoking exist in relationship with water and New York City’s infrastructure. Join Maya Simone for two upcoming sessions at…

Where: Coffey Park, 85 Richards St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

When: Sat. 10/8, 2-3:30pm

Where: Pioneer Works, 159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

When: Sun. 10/9, 3-4:30pm near outdoor garden (will move indoors if it rains)