What is the Map Tent?
The Map Tent, also called the Pin It Pavilion, is one of our many ways of gathering demographic data about WaterFire participants. Quick and interactive, participants can stop by the Map Tent, to answer a few questions and place a pin in a map, marking where they call home. Some of this information is then put on our website as blog posts so that everyone can see the wide range of WaterFire participants there are! The Map Tent is a collaboration between WaterFire and The Map Center, which is run by Andrew Middleton and based in Pawtucket. Andrew provides the maps, works with us to develop the questions, and is often at the Map Tent during fires to provide lively conversation. You can follow along with his work on The Map Center’s Instagram account, @themapcenter.
What kinds of questions do we ask?
We usually ask demographic questions relating to where participants are from or live, to get to know our audience a little better. We want to know if this is your first time attending WaterFire, if you have visited many times before, and whether or not you were aware of the event before. The questions may be different from fire to fire, so make sure you check the questions each time before you place a pin on the map.
Why do we collect this information?
It’s pretty simple: we want to learn about you! Thousands of people visit WaterFire every year, from all corners of the globe and all walks of life, and we as an organization want to learn more about who you are, and how we can adapt the event to your interests and needs. No two WaterFires are the same; this is simply the nature, and beauty, of the art piece. This is partially because no two crowds at WaterFire are the same. Every person who visits adds to the magic in their own way, and we hope to celebrate that.
Where can I find the Map Tent?
The Map Tent is located on Canal Street, near the merch tent in front of RISD. Find it on the WaterFire Event Map here:
Plan Your Trip To Providence | WaterFire Event Map
We hope to see you at the Map Tent at our next fire, on August 17th!
