Ryerson New Media

Murmur Toronto

Shawn Miscallef is currently a resident at the CFC Media Lab in Toronto. He works as an instructor at OCAD University, while also writing columns for Eye Weekly. His work and publications are usually about cities, cultures and art. Gabe Sawhney is a member of the board of directors of Heritage Toronto. Just being apart of this committee, it is apparent that he, like Miscallef, is interested in the culture and history of Toronto. He is a researcher and creative technologist, concentrating on mobile and interactive installations.

[Murmur] Toronto is a form of locative media; media communication bound to a location. It is an audio project set up in in various neighborhoods around the city (Kensington Market, Little India, Fort York, The Grange). At each location, an archive of stories is created; long-time residents record stories of memories created in that neighborhood, which are played when a user calls. Misallef and Sawhney wanted to create a project that enabled citizens to realize the importance of a certain spot to another Torontonian. This project adds such cultural significance to an ordinary spot. This is a very innovative way to learn about the city; and I would encourage anyone, who happens to pass by a sign, to participate.

In certain neighborhoods, [Murmur] has an ear sign is set up on a pole. When pedestrians see this sign, they can call the number posted on the sign, and key in the posted code. The code is what sorts the stories into specific sections, according to location. The caller can then listen to a personal story from a resident. [Murmur] Toronto requires active interaction on both sides of the project. It requires residents of the area to choose to interact with it, by sending in their recorded stories. Users also have to choose to participate, by deciding whether or not to call the number posted on the ear signs around the city. Without the help of the public, the project would not succeed. Hundreds, if not thousands have participated in [Murmur] Toronto, and as a result it has been able to grow to other cities, and other countries. This global expansion shows how powerful human interaction can be, and what can be accomplished if everyone worked together.

The goal behind [Murmur] Toronto is to provide Torontonians with insight about different neighborhoods around the city.  Through this project, people develop relationships with their surroundings. The stories they listen to relate and bring significance to the urban location they are in. The artists are able to enhance the city and catch the interests of others by designing an innovative locative project. When a user calls [Murmur] Toronto, they develop a relationship with the storyteller, a complete stranger. By allowing users to developing relationships, they bridge the gaps that prevent so many cultures and ethnicities from becoming closer.