Random Histories
A project by Big Hope: Miklós Erhardt & Dominic Hislop.

Project Description:
Random Histories was created in the town of Zadar on the Dalmation coast of Croatia as part of ÔIntermuros: the Zadar Uzivo festival of site specific installations and performances' curated by Iva-R. Jankovic, 16-24th August, 2002. It was an attempt to facilitate an exchange between visiting tourists and the local population that could provide an insight into spaces in the city. Tourists were approached in the central square and asked to take a few photographs as they walked around the town, of places or objects that they found to be curious or somehow unusual to them. After printing the results, each picture was taken to the place where it was photographed and a local resident was asked to comment on their personal experience and knowledge of those spaces, so offering information and personal histories of the town, that could not be found in any tourist guide. Each photograph was printed twice, made to fit the size and appearance of a standard touristic postcard and had the localsÕ responses printed on the reverse side. One copy of the postcard was sent to the home address of the tourist who took the picture, and another was exhibited publicly, alongside the full collection of pictures and comments, in a specially constructed postcard stall located in one of the central squares. In this context it was of interest to both tourists, who were able to gain alternative histories about the town they were visiting, and locals, who were able to see and reflect on how outsiders view their town.

This website includes:
• interactive map documenting project (flash player is required)

Acknowledgements:
The Random Histories project was created thanks to the time and effort given by tourists and locals of Zadar. Special thanks to Marina Ivandic for her invaluable assistance at all stages of the project. Many thanks also to Alina for her assistance with translation; the Z.V.U.K. association, particularly Mate, Srdan and Bobo for all their help and Rada and Vanja for all their work in organising the 'Intermuros' event.

Flash programming: Dominic Hislop.

Contact:
Any comments to us or participants are welcome: bighope [at] bighope [dot] hu

Interactive map - click on image to open	Installation of postcard stand in central square of Zadar.
Interviews with Zadar residents about photos taken by tourists.	Postcard stand in central square of Zadar.