WORK: An Audio-Visual Exploration of Effortful Lives

WORK is a collective, participatory art project generated by the students and families of Escalante Elementary in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Over the course of several months, students photographed and audio recorded what the theme of work means to them and their families in their everyday lives.

“As a grassroots community radio station, this type of collaboration reflects KRCL’s 40-year history but also speaks to our future,” said Tristin Tabish, general manager.

Students investigated the concept of work in all its forms and are using a broad storytelling framework to present it through sound and images. They asked their families to answer such questions as:

• What does work look like at home?

• What kind of work do you help me do to be a good student and family member?

• What kind of work do you do outside our home?

• What job did you want when you were my age?

• How do you feel appreciated for the work you do?

• What kind of job do you hope I have one day? How do you want me to feel about that work?

You can listen to the audio here.

WORK was presented with assistance from The City Library and with funding from the Salt Lake City Arts Council. Eugene Tachinni provided photography instruction and Christian Camargo from KRCL produced the audio portion.  WORK was on display at Mestizo through the end of May and at the City Library in the Share Space during the Living Traditions Festival in May.