As part of the National Park's Centennial celebration this year, the Park Service has shared four short videos about the important part artists can play in creating new park experiences that are more welcoming, meaningful and relevant to a wider range of visitors.
A bonus feature for We Players fans: stills of our events can be spotted here and there in each of the segments!
Written and performed by spoken word poet Trey Amos, "In These Parks" expresses both the joy and meaning that can be found in the almost limitless range of experiences to be found at more than 400 natural, cultural and historic park sites and is an invitation to “find your spark” at a national park.
DURATION: 2 minutes, 19 seconds
"The Artist’s Experience" offers reflections on the national park experience from composers, illustrators, installation artists, musicians, painters and sculptors: the sources of inspiration they find in parks, its deep impact on their work, and the power of art to alter our sense of a place.
DURATION: 2 minutes, 11 seconds
"The Youth Experience" follows a group of young people on national park visit in their city, where they explore the environmental art of Andy Goldsworthy and learn how to express their own national park experience through the art of photography.
DURATION: 2 minutes, 19 seconds
"21st Century Parks" looks at the role of artists in creating new park experiences that more welcoming, meaningful and relevant to a wider range of visitors. Recent installations by artists Ai Weiwei, JR and Maya Lin at parks in California, New York, and Oregon exemplify the impact of art on park visitation.
DURATION: 3 minutes, 59 seconds
