A transportation project that moved us.

We invariably learn something from each project we undertake. That's why we do what we do: To collaborate with folks who illuminate us and broaden our perspective. But recently, we teamed up on a community-based initiative that completely heightened our awareness of an important subject: Systemic Racism. 

The great folks at PublicCity and the Downtown Austin Alliance tapped Shiny to develop animations and other content for OurFuture35–a diverse coalition of community advocates and neighborhood leaders, businesses, institutions, and organizations in Austin. OurFuture35 is an effort dedicated to creating a shared vision for how the  future Interstate 35 should reflect the entire Austin community when the highway is completely reconstructed over the next 7-8 years. First, a little backstory on I-35...

When I-35 was originally constructed in the 1950s, the power brokers in Austin mandated that the road cut right through town, intentionally dividing the predominantly White population west of the highway, from the Black and Latino folks east of the highway. Segregation, pure and simple, complete with concrete barricades and all. If you've ever driven I-35 through Austin, you immediately see its impact on the community: The State Capitol Complex, UT Campus, hospitals, police station, etc. all west of the highway. On the east side? Huston-Tillotson College, a Historically Black institution. 

So when the Texas Department of Transportation announced plans to completely reinvent I-35–complete with lowering the road below ground level, tearing down its divisive upper decks, and creating open parkspace all the way through Austin–OurFuture35 was organized. The group's purpose is assembling groups in Austin previously left out and left behind in decisions about I-35, to gather around the same table and learn about each other’s experiences. All to have a voice in shaping the decisions for the future of I-35. 

To help raise awareness of OurFuture35's purpose and engage folks in the conversation, Shiny created an animated piece to help convey I-35's ugly racial history and inspire participation in shaping its future. We also produced video pieces for OurFuture35's community-wide Zoom calls, including a conversation with Austin's own Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. But the Shiny team gained far more from the experience than the work we created. To stare directly at the horror film of intentional, institutionalized racism–in the heart of our own hometown–and see its crippling, far-reaching effects, was both humbling and energizing. We were honored to contribute in some small way to the vital, inspired work of the people making a positive impact with OurFuture35. And we came away from the project more determined to walk the walk in confronting racial inequity.