For June's Erratic we're trying out a classic walking game devised by Morag Rose and the Loiterer's Resistance Movement. We've long been wanting to try some more experimental approaches to our public walks and the Metaphysical Treasure Hunt seems like a great way to start.
The Loiterers Resistance Movement is a Manchester based collective of urban wanderers founded in 2006 by Morag Rose. Over the years they've developed an array of playful techniques "to nurture an awareness of everyday space, (re)engaging with, (re)mapping and (re)enchanting the city."
The Metaphysical Treasure Hunt is a game in which participants respond to a series of playful prompts which encourage new ways of engaging with space. The game is played as a group, with participants responding collectively and improvising the route of the walk in real time. We'll be starting ours in Stirchley Park in Birmingham but who knows where we might end up?
These are some examples of prompts used in past LRM treasure hunts:
- Start with something light. Look for the brightest yellow thing you can find.
- Look down at the flotsam and jetsom. What are traces and rubbish trying to tell you?
- Can you find evidence or rumour of the supernatural or mythological in your landscape? Do ghosts linger?
Each prompt gets around ten minutes dedicated to it before moving on to the next one. For our own Metaphysical Treasure Hunt we will source all of the prompts from the ever-growing Walkspace membership. Whether you're familiar with Stirchley or if you've never visited before, you're guaranteed to see and experience the world in new ways.
Meet in the centre of Stirchley Park (B30 2JX) at 11am, Saturday 24th June. No need to book just turn up. The route of the walk will be improvised on the day so the terrain is unknown but expect tarmac, paving, lawn and moderate inclines. Steps will be avoided. After the walk there's the option of heading to Artefact Gallery for refreshments and to see the Walkspace 23 exhibition.
The route, distance and speed of the walk will be determined collectively based on the preferences and mobility requirements of all taking part. In general though you can expect a leisurely stroll of around 1.5 miles lasting 100 minutes. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The walk shall go ahead whatever the weather.
Any questions email: walkspace.uk@gmail.com
Other Walkspace events in June
- Saturday 10th: A tour of Selly Oak's radical history with Josh Allen
- Friday 16th: Walkspace short film night at Artefact
These events are all part of the Walkspace 23 group show which runs 3 June to 1 July at Artefact in Stirchley, Birmingham