New Connections, Meanings, and Practices: EcoGPX® External Evaluation Highlights Transformative Impact in Coventry

Intercultural Roots is thrilled to unveil the External Evaluation Report of its Innovate UK-funded EcoGPX® Launchpad Coventry and Warwickshire project. Authored by Dr. Jo Scott, the report celebrates the project’s groundbreaking achievements in fostering creative connections, re-imagining urban spaces, and pioneering innovative practices in place-based art and technology.

Access the visual version of the report here: EcoGPX® Evaluation Report

A Project of New Connections

EcoGPX® has brought together artists, practitioners, and communities in Coventry, creating a dynamic and inclusive creative network. Through four artistic residencies, the project has:

• Connected artists and practitioners: Diverse artists from various disciplines collaborated to form a supportive and enduring creative community.

• Connected communities: By valuing cultural diversity and encouraging mutual understanding, EcoGPX® cultivated connections across Coventry’s multifaceted communities.

• Connected people with the city: Participants rediscovered Coventry’s green and blue spaces, deepening their sense of belonging and nurturing meaningful ties to their surroundings.

Reimagining Places and Perspectives

Central to EcoGPX® is the development of the Places mobile app, a unique platform that engages people with the culture of places. The app allows Contributors to ‘place’ videos and photos/text guides offering Viewers with a playful digital insight into Coventry’s streets, parks, and landmarks.

“Through the Places app, everyday places are transformed into vibrant canvases for storytelling, artistic expression, and shared memories,” said Dr. Jo Scott. “This unique blend of technology and creativity fosters new ways of connecting with both the city and ourselves.”

Empowering New Creative Practices

EcoGPX® has set a new benchmark for community-centred creative practices by combining:

• Ethical use of technology: The Places app provides an inclusive, intuitive platform for sharing and experiencing art in meaningful ways.

• A co-creative approach: Residencies were shaped by deep listening and active engagement, ensuring activities reflected the voices of Coventry’s communities.

• Sustainable models: The project developed frameworks that can be adapted to other communities, emphasising connection, creativity, and care.

Key Achievements:

• 6-month project duration

• 14 venues across Coventry

• 4 residencies involving 26 artists

• Over 450 participants

• 1 brand new mobile application

• 53 contributors to the Places app

• 183 emplaced videos and 103 creative scores shared

Looking Ahead

As the report outlines, the EcoGPX® model has far-reaching applications, from urban planning to healthcare, amplifying voices, and nurturing community resilience. This innovative approach opens new pathways for social impact through creative engagement with place.

The Places app is fabulous for independent artists or large cultural or heritage organisations, galleries etc providing a window into place-based work, as a digital repository or tool for interactive engagement, and for increasing visitor numbers.

Please Contact Us if you would like to discuss potential partnerships.

About EcoGPX®

EcoGPX® is described by project lead Dr. Alex Boyd as “an augmented window into new ways of engaging and improving the quality of life in communities.” Funded by a £100,000 grant from Innovate UK, the project has used art and technology to bridge divides, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire connections that resonate beyond Coventry.

Learn more about EcoGPX here.

Please use the two links below to test the PLACES mobile app as a 'Viewer', one for Apple iOS and the other for Android:

Apple iPhone public link

Android package

If you would like to become an EcoGPX® 'Contributor' please Contact Us

About Intercultural Roots

Intercultural Roots is a registered charity dedicated to arts for health and social change. Through collaborative and inclusive practices, it addresses global challenges, creating spaces for creativity, connection, and collective growth.