Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

(Be)coming Home is an art project at the Branscombe House in Richmond, Canada. It aims to create an interactive mixed-media installation that fosters communities among marginalized groups, offering a sense of belonging and care. The title has a dual meaning: “Becoming Home” signifies the artist’s personal journey of finding belonging as a queer immigrant from China; “Coming Home” shows an invitation to the public to engage with the project at the Branscombe House, finding a sense of home. For example, local community members are invited to participate as collaborators to tell their definitions of home and co-create the installation through various activities, aiming to a public sense of an inclusive, shared, and caring community for Richmond residents and visitors. This paper not only showcases the artwork and the art-making process, but more importantly demonstrates the diverse meanings of home and how the concept of home can be reconstructed.