Victorian Speed of Life: A Reflection on the Use of Projection Mapping and Audio for Public Engagement

The Projection Studio ( https://theprojectionstudio.com/ ) has been creating public art with sound and projection for over thirty years. During this time, we have built a body of work which uses video projection mapping and audio as a tool for public engagement. Using large-scale public art for public engagement can give results that other types of engagement cannot. It can draw large audiences, new audiences, and give researchers and academics the opportunity to meet people who would not normally engage with the subject matter. In this article, we reflect on how that process can work, using as an example the award-winning projection and sound piece “Victorian Speed of Life.” This was created for the European Research Council funded project “Diseases of Modern Life” ( https://diseasesofmodernlife.web.ox.ac.uk/home ). We will also look at its impact on both researchers and the public audience.