Ways of imagining a playground as a space of collectivity and care

Every society relies on collective storytelling and social bonds. David Graeber and Nika Dubrovsky’s Anthropology for Kids books and workshops inspired the idea of Visual Assemblies, where people come together to collectively imagine the future.

One long-standing focus of Visual Assemblies and Anthropology for Kids has been the Playgrounds of the Future project. Playgrounds are vital public spaces—they bring communities together, bridging generations and social divides. They’re also about fun and play, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere we need when making collective decisions. A network of community-built playgrounds, designed around Visual Assemblies, could become spaces where people gather, play, and make decisions together.

The idea first took shape during a 2014 workshop at the Community College of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, after Hurricane Beryl. The goal was to design a playground made of modular elements—ropes, planks, and other simple materials—combined with stronger, permanent parts. The modular sections could be dismantled and stored during storms, while reinforced structures like poles would stay in place.

At the Sigana Storytelling Festival 2025, we’ll start with a communal Visual Assembly to begin imagining and planning the construction of a real playground.

As part of this, we’re asking:

  • How can a public playground fit into the unique social dynamics of Kenya?
  • How might local materials and climate shape its design and use?
  • In what ways do cultural traditions influence how a community uses public spaces?
  • Could a playground be more than a place to play — perhaps a space for learning, gathering, or hosting community assemblies?
  • And, working with Dilman Dila, can we imagine a playground inspired by Afrofuturism — a magical, bold space that reflects local culture while envisioning the future?

A celebration of storytelling, culture, and creativity, the Sigana International Storytelling Festival 2025 will bring together local and international voices to honor the art of storytelling as a timeless thread connecting generations, communities, and nations, fostering understanding, empathy, and unity through shared narratives. The festival will run for 2 and ½ days from 29th June to 1st of July.