When we first conceived of this installation, we were motivated by the simple observation that development is happening.  It is happening regardless of what community members or anthropologists or artists might have to say about the many forces and practices that make up the nebulous term.  In many respects, it is not often possible to simply embrace or reject changes.  Development forces must be negotiated.  What works for some individuals, communities and nations may or may not work for others.  Our hope is to create a conversation- or a convergence of many conversations- which take/s into account both the daily small-scale negotiations, as well as larger projects and policies undertaken at the national level.  This conversation involves multiple perspectives, explores multiple drivers and involves many key players.  This installation is an experiential event but, of course, we don’t need the stations on this road to experience development- we feel, consider and negotiate development changes every day, through our work, as well as through our lives. Our lives are, in large part, a product of all we have encountered on this road.  By highlighting major stops along the development road, we hope to have provided a window into how a knowledge of the past and the present can lead us in to a more considered future.

Cool Anthropology is Victoria Costa and Kristina Baines in collaboration with Celeste Bacchi, Monique Boileau, Alison Cantor, Janelle Christensen, Gene Cowherd, Curtis DeVetter, Ramon Esono Ebale, EG Justice, Kate Fayers-Kerr, Frank Fradella, Hannah Graff, Nolan Kline, Daniel Lende, Kerry Hawk Lessard, Marisa Macari, Gina Margillo, Alicia McGill, Amy McLennen, Anne Pfister, Nick Paliughi, Lisa Perz, Doug Resser, Mabel Sabogal, Etel Saryee, Jess Schaffner, Angela Stuesse, Daniel Velasquez and Rebecca Zarger.