graphic design by Still Room
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VISITATION, A SOUND WALK
Thank you for reserving access to The Visitation, an urban sound walk created by Stephanie Fleischmann, Christina Campanella, and Mallory Catlett. Inspired by the appearance of a one-antlered deer in Harlem’s Jackie Robinson Park in 2016, this sonic journey in search of the collective memory of the deer’s sojourn in Jackie Robinson Park is a meditation on the complex history of the park — from Lenape terrain to colonized farmland to vital urban resource. The Visitation was commissioned by HERE, with support from the Café Royal Cultural Foundation and the Foundation for Contemporary Arts.
The sound walk starts at St. Nicholas Avenue and 148th Street, at the top of the ACBD subway steps, on the east side of St. Nicholas, in front of the Food Town. Head to Sugar Hill, Harlem, and Jackie Robinson Park, to experience the walk in the environment for which it was created–or experience The Visitation remotely from anywhere in the world. Either way, listening through headphones is strongly encouraged.
Prior to your arrival in Sugar Hill, download the Gesso app from the App Store or Google Play Store (for iPhone and Android users, respectively). Once downloaded, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to allow Gesso to use location services (this will enable the geo-located aspects of the sound walk); and create an account using a valid e-mail address. Upon arrival at St. Nicholas Avenue and 148th, tap the magnifying glass in the upper-right corner of the Gesso app and search for “The Visitation.” Select “The Visitation,” and press “Start.” You can view the walking map here
If accessing The Visitation remotely, search for the walk as above. Once you’ve pressed “Start,” the following message will appear: “Hmm, it seems like you’re far away.” Simply select “Listen Remotely,” and enjoy the sound walk from wherever you are. Whether accessing remotely or in-person, if a pop-up appears containing a checklist of cell phone settings (cellular data, location services, precise location, and background app refresh), simply adjust your cell phone settings to match, and press “Start Tour.”
Please be advised that the site-specific version of the walk takes place on sidewalks and in a public park that contains stairs and occasional uneven pavement. See the linked Accessible Map for the wheelchair-accessible route and instructions.
Please note: There are two public restrooms at Jackie Robinson Park: at Bradhurst and 149th; and Bradhurst and 152nd.
Before you take in The Visitation, for a little context, you may enjoy: This story in The New York Times This little video The program is available here.
Whenever and however you choose to experience The Visitation, we hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions about the experience, please reach out to our Audience Services Manager at tickets@here.org. More information about HERE’s upcoming programming, including other IRL* opportunities coming to other boroughs soon, can be found here. *IRL = In Real Life
Consider these restaurants and cafes for a bite or a drink while you’re in Harlem for The Visitation!