Short description of the action:

This event was implemented following three steps: 1st an exhibition from the 1st to the 8th of April 2010, a “word carrier” and a “show room”. I tackled the issue of labor over the world. The name of the exhibition was “the world labor” and the word carrier’s question was “what’s working for you?” The aim was not to question the participants’ knowledge but to make them think about it. The panels followed this same logic. They showed people working as well as the products we buy without any other explanations. This compelled the public to search for the meaning of these gathered images. I stood next to the exhibition in order to talk to people and bring them information if needed.

Quantitative statements:

It’s impossible to say precisely the number of persons who saw this event. Nevertheless, the exhibition took place a whole week, in a crossing point (a corridor which goes to the lecture halls). It is certain that more than three fourth students of the university looked at it. Moreover, I exhibited it in the entrance of the hall of residence. 900 persons saw it.

Qualitative statements:

Did you reach your objectives and why? Were they relevant according to the specific situation? People liked the exhibition concept (an exhibition without written explanation). The persons found themselves the phenomenon I wanted to explain through images. In this way it was a success. The message was well understood during the “show”. I invited students who passed through, to get a coffee and biscuits while expressing and discussing their vision of “work” and their perception of the exhibition. Some of them were moved by our conversations.

Was the chosen method relevant according to your objectives and target public? First, I wanted to touch the maximum of persons especially those who were not aware. Hence I had to create an event that goes to the public rather than an event the concerned public goes to. The “word carrier” was an asset since he helped me to go to the public. Then, I wanted the exhibition to be noticeable. It is the first time an exhibition and “show room” took place in the middle of the main corridor of the Law Departement of the university. The creation of panels which were nice and meaningful, the installation of chairs, wall seats, green plants and coffee table participated to a huge visibility. Another success! The students remember this exhibition.

Was it hard to put into action? What did you miss? It was difficult to gather speakers and to find images for the exhibition.

What did the participants get from the action? While the “word carrier” was going on, the answers he gave often underlined ambiguities between work for pleasure and work we have to do in order to live or else the career we choose to get richer or else participate to the society building.

If you had to do it again, what would you change and why? I will spend more time communicating on the event. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to do so. But I have learned that it’s necessary to spend more time for communication than for the organization of the event. I also will rely much more on myself rather than on people who offer to help me. Indeed, a lot of persons offered to help me and even to take part into the event. The conclusion is that this help happened to be very little. I will remember that if somebody offers you something, don’t wait for it but go to it.