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FAQs

back to Home Land Security

 

  • What was the inspiration for the project?
  • Why is this exhibition in a national park?
  • Where are the exhibition sites?
  • How were the sites at Fort Winfield Scott selected?
  • Is there a cost to view the exhibition?
  • What are the exhibition viewing hours?
  • What kinds of exhibition information are available on-site?
  • How can I share feedback, comments, or reflections on the exhibition?
  • How do I get there?
  • How do I get a map of the exhibition? Is it easy to navigate the sites?
  • Are the exhibition sites Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)–accessible?
  • Are domestic animals allowed inside the exhibition?
  • How long does it typically take to view the exhibition?  
  • Is there a particular order I should follow in viewing the exhibition sites?
  • Are there restrooms and food services nearby?
  • Are there any related public programs occurring during the exhibition?
  • Is the exhibition appropriate for children? If so, what ages, and are there any resources for teachers or parents?
  • How can I learn more about the partnering organizations?


What was the inspiration for the project?

This exhibition — the fourth site-specific, temporal project FOR-SITE has presented in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area — furthers FOR-SITE’s mission to encourage the public to explore lesser-known park sites of historical importance through art about place. Home Land Security was conceived as a platform to engage a diverse range of artists from around the world who are interested in social change, the commonality of human experience, and the personal impact of national security in our time. The themes it addresses include: definitions of home and safety, ideological extremism, forced migration in the wake of conflict, the constant shift of weaponry and targets, and the unwavering belief in the necessity for defense.


Why is this exhibition in a national park?

Art has a long history in the national parks. It played a formative role in the early efforts to protect and set them aside as public places, and has inspired generations of photographers, painters, poets, and many other artists. As part of a larger, ongoing Art in the Park program, the National Park Service (NPS), Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (GGNPC), and Presidio Trust embrace art as a way to welcome the public, engage new audiences, and connect people with their parks in innovative and meaningful ways. Home Land Security presents an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the historical purpose and meaning of San Francisco’s coastal defense fortifications while considering timely, contemporary issues.


Where are the exhibition sites?

The five sites are clustered in a quarter-mile radius in the Presidio’s Fort Winfield Scott, the former headquarters for coastal defense of California at the Golden Gate. The physical address to map is 1649 Langdon Court, San Francisco. An exhibition site map is available on the Plan a Visit page.


How were the sites at Fort Winfield Scott selected?

The sites were selected as a way to invite the public to explore cultural resources of the park in new and surprising ways. By placing artworks that examine security’s human cost inside former military sites, Home Land Security provides a powerful context for considering contemporary issues and allows for a deeper understanding of the park as a place imbued with multilayered meaning and history.


Is there a cost to view the exhibition?

No. The exhibition is free and open to the public.


What are the exhibition viewing hours?

Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from September 10 through December 18, 2016. Closed Thanksgiving.


What kinds of exhibition information are available on-site?

On-site interpretation includes printed materials, signage, and an introductory video that takes a closer look at the artists, their works, and the exhibition locations. Trained Art Guides are available to answer questions and offer assistance during exhibition viewing hours.


How can I share feedback, comments, or reflections on the exhibition?

Visitors are actively encouraged to participate in conversations and share experiences via social media using the hashtag #ArtAboutPlace (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). Visitors are also invited to use the parks’ hashtags: #Parks4All (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) and #FindYourPark (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). Wi-Fi is available at the sites to enhance this dialogue and allow visitors to delve deeper into the artists and exhibition themes online and through social media before, during, and after viewing the work. A hard-copy comment book is available to on-site visitors, as well.


How do I get there?

The exhibition visitor center and trailhead are located at the Nike Administration Building, at the intersection of Langdon Court and Lincoln Boulevard.
PresidiGo Around the Park Shuttle

This free shuttle includes stops at the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Storey Avenue and in front of the Fort Scott Chapel. Catch the Crissy Field Route shuttle from the Presidio Transit Center in the Main Post or other stops in the park. For schedules and routes, visit presidio.gov.
MUNI

The 28-19th Avenue bus stops at Merchant Road/Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel, a five-minute walk from the exhibition trailhead. The 43-Masonic bus stops at the Presidio Transit Center, which is also a PresidiGo shuttle stop. For trip planning (including routes and schedules), visit sfmta.com.
By Foot or Bike

Access the sites by following the California Coastal Trail, or walk (30–40 minutes) or ride (9–15 minutes) from any Presidio entrance. Bicycle parking is available at the Nike Administration Building and the Merchant Road parking lot. For trail information, visit presidio.gov/trails.
By Car

Limited free parking is available at the Nike Administration Building and Fort Scott Chapel, and along nearby Merchant Road. Paid parking is available on the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Storey Avenue; pay stations accept credit and debit cards. Be advised that parking fills quickly and early on weekends. For more information, visit presidio.gov/transportation/driving-and-parking.


How do I get a map of the exhibition? Is it easy to navigate the sites?

A map of the sites is available on the Plan a Visit page; in the exhibition brochure (distributed at the visitor center in the Nike Administration Building and at each of the exhibition sites); and on large, outdoor plinths at each of the sites. Temporary wayfinding signage also guides visitors between locations.


Are the exhibition sites Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)–accessible?

Two of the five sites — the Nike Administration Building (which houses the exhibition visitor center) and Fort Scott Chapel — have ADA-accessible parking spaces and pathways. The visitor center features multimedia displays about all the artworks and sites, as well as large-print and braille exhibition brochures. On-site Art Guides are also available to assist those with accessibility needs. Service animals are permissible at all exhibition sites.


Are domestic animals allowed inside the exhibition?

No. Many of the artworks are fragile, and the interiors of the structures are not suitable for animals. Pets are welcome in the Presidio’s outdoor spaces, but they must be restrained on leashes at all times.


How long does it typically take to view the exhibition?

That depends on how long you linger at each site. On average, the full exhibition could be experienced in approximately 1.5 hours.


Is there a particular order I should follow in viewing the exhibition sites?

No, but we recommend beginning your visit at the Nike Administration Building at the exhibition trailhead, located at Langdon Court and Lincoln Boulevard; the Nike Building houses the exhibition visitor center, as well as the largest concentration of artworks.


Are there restrooms and food services nearby?

Restrooms are available at the Fort Scott ballfield along Storey Avenue (across from the Fort Scott Chapel). The Presidio also offers a variety of food options, ranging from trail mix to fine dining.


Are any related public programs occurring during the exhibition?

Public workshops to support Díaz Lewis’s 34,000 Pillows project take place Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Nike Administration Building. The full workshop, which includes pillow-making, lasts two hours, but drop-in participants are welcome to assist in other aspects of the project. Reservations are not required, and space is limited.


Is the exhibition appropriate for children? If so, what ages, and are there any resources for teachers or parents?

Children are welcome to attend the exhibition; the artworks are not visually graphic or inappropriate for young eyes, though parents and guardians may wish to use their discretion regarding written content on the sensitive issues surrounding national security and forced migration. Curriculum for grades 6–12 is available for teachers who would like to incorporate the exhibition into lesson plans or bring classes to view the exhibition. Tours for school and community groups are also available.

 

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About the FOR-SITE Foundation

Established in 2003 by curator Cheryl Haines, the FOR-SITE Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, understanding, and presentation of art about place. Recent projects encompass commissions, artist residencies, and educational programs, and include the acclaimed exhibition @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz; International Orange, a group show honoring the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge; Presidio Habitats; and a series of land-art installations by Andy Goldsworthy currently on view in the Presidio.
About the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) is a federal agency within the US Department of the Interior charged with managing the preservation and public use of America’s most significant natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources. The NPS manages the coastal areas of the Presidio and Golden Gate National Parks, as well as 400 other park sites across the United States. This year marks the NPS’s centennial. Learn more at nps.gov.
About the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit membership organization that supports the most-visited outpost in the US national park system. The conservancy provides aid for site transformations, trail improvements, habitat restoration, volunteer and youth engagement, and interpretive and educational programs. Conservancy-funded projects, in partnership with the National Park Service and Presidio Trust, are visible across the parks’ 80,000 acres — including the Presidio, Crissy Field, Muir Woods, Lands End, Alcatraz, and others. Learn more at parksconservancy.org.
About the Presidio Trust

The Presidio Trust is an innovative federal agency created to save the Presidio and employ a partnership approach to transform it into a new kind of national park. Spanning 1,500 acres in a spectacular setting at the Golden Gate, the Presidio now operates without taxpayer support; is home to a community of residents and commercial tenants; and offers unique recreation, hospitality, and educational opportunities to people throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and the world. The trust’s Art in the Presidio program welcomes a wide range of artists to respond to park sites. Ten exhibitions to date have encouraged more than 100,000 visitors to see the park’s natural and cultural treasures in a new light. Learn more at presidio.gov/trust.

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  • #LandsEnd featured artist Andrea Chung’s video Come Back to Jamaica (2009), & Come Back to Yourself (2013), will be… https://t.co/HXwouRNnBa
  • FOR-SITE is thrilled to partner with local chefs & mixologists in hosting small, safe cocktail parties & suppers on… https://t.co/q1lElox0gx

Instagram

FOR-SITE collaborator @hankwillisthomas & artist @wideawakes designed  #EyesonIran flying billboards in solidarity with the women of Iran. 

The billboards can be seen this week on South beach, Miami and at @untitledartfair 

@forfreedoms multi-day, multi-media art installation spans Miami and artworks throughout @4freedomspark in NYC
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FOR-SITE collaborator @hankwillisthomas & artist @wideawakes designed #EyesonIran flying billboards in solidarity with the women of Iran. The billboards can be seen this week on South beach, Miami and at @untitledartfair @forfreedoms multi-day, multi-media art installation spans Miami and artworks throughout @4freedomspark in NYC
2 months ago
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1/9
This #GivingTuesday we want to celebrate and honor YOU and the other partners and supporters who have buoyed our wildest dreams. Access to all of our exhibition sites these past years—from the former Cliff House to Alcatraz to military batteries and churches—was gifted to us from our park partners. The 110 artists with whom we have worked blew us away with breathtaking, career-defining work, often under short order. FOR-SITE simply would not exist without the well of generosity and cooperation that is our friends, and we intend to express our gratitude this year. 

You can continue to support FOR-SITE by donating today at the link in bio.
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This #GivingTuesday we want to celebrate and honor YOU and the other partners and supporters who have buoyed our wildest dreams. Access to all of our exhibition sites these past years—from the former Cliff House to Alcatraz to military batteries and churches—was gifted to us from our park partners. The 110 artists with whom we have worked blew us away with breathtaking, career-defining work, often under short order. FOR-SITE simply would not exist without the well of generosity and cooperation that is our friends, and we intend to express our gratitude this year. You can continue to support FOR-SITE by donating today at the link in bio.
2 months ago
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2/9
The participating artists of FOR-SITE’s 2018 exhibition SANCTUARY, represented diverse ideologies and backgrounds (many including experiences as migrants and refugees), but their contributions to the exhibition—spectacularly varied in content and design—conformed to a single format, lending a unifying element that bridged racial, cultural, and religious differences. Installed on the floor of the historic Fort Mason Chapel, the four-by-six-foot wool rugs—woven in Lahore, Pakistan, using traditional materials and hand-knotting techniques—called to mind traditional prayer rugs, but they transcended religious connotations, encompassing thoughtful viewpoints on cultural identity, sense of place, and belonging.

Photo by @robertdiversherrick
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The participating artists of FOR-SITE’s 2018 exhibition SANCTUARY, represented diverse ideologies and backgrounds (many including experiences as migrants and refugees), but their contributions to the exhibition—spectacularly varied in content and design—conformed to a single format, lending a unifying element that bridged racial, cultural, and religious differences. Installed on the floor of the historic Fort Mason Chapel, the four-by-six-foot wool rugs—woven in Lahore, Pakistan, using traditional materials and hand-knotting techniques—called to mind traditional prayer rugs, but they transcended religious connotations, encompassing thoughtful viewpoints on cultural identity, sense of place, and belonging. Photo by @robertdiversherrick
2 months ago
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3/9
#LandsEnd featured artist @suzannehusky has explored interactions among humans, animals, and plants through a multifaceted art practice that includes sculpture, installation, photography, and film for the last 20 years. 

Husky sculpts her trees from used clothes and found textiles, translating our cast-off clothing—informed by age and gender, class, culture, and politics—to the individualizing characteristics of trees, suggesting the deep interconnectedness of humans and their natural surroundings. “Forest” is both an homage to an ecological system that supports countless plant and animal species and a memorial to that same system under threat of erasure. #artaboutplace
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#LandsEnd featured artist @suzannehusky has explored interactions among humans, animals, and plants through a multifaceted art practice that includes sculpture, installation, photography, and film for the last 20 years. Husky sculpts her trees from used clothes and found textiles, translating our cast-off clothing—informed by age and gender, class, culture, and politics—to the individualizing characteristics of trees, suggesting the deep interconnectedness of humans and their natural surroundings. “Forest” is both an homage to an ecological system that supports countless plant and animal species and a memorial to that same system under threat of erasure. #artaboutplace
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
#LandsEnd featured artist @danielbeltraphoto’s striking, large-scale aerial photographs of melting polar ice caps and oil spills highlight the rate and scale at which humanity is impacting our world. His juxtapositions of nature and destruction provide an almost overwhelming sense of physical scale and emotional dread, through flattened but dynamic images that flirt with abstraction.
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#LandsEnd featured artist @danielbeltraphoto’s striking, large-scale aerial photographs of melting polar ice caps and oil spills highlight the rate and scale at which humanity is impacting our world. His juxtapositions of nature and destruction provide an almost overwhelming sense of physical scale and emotional dread, through flattened but dynamic images that flirt with abstraction.
3 months ago
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5/9
FOR-SITE turns 20 in 2023! We feel extremely grateful to all of you, the artists, and to our long-standing park partners, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (@parksconservancy), the Presidio Trust (@presidiosf), and the @nationalparkservice, for such outstanding companionship and support of our work.

Stay tuned! The celebrations begin next month, in December, followed by a milestone anniversary year punctuated by programs and events, and a to-be-announced biennial exhibition open to the public.

In the meantime, you may have noticed we changed our name and branding, with our new website coming soon. The FOR-SITE Foundation is now FOR-SITE, yet we remain dedicated to the creation, understanding, and presentation of art about place.

We look forward to celebrating with you this next year!
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FOR-SITE turns 20 in 2023! We feel extremely grateful to all of you, the artists, and to our long-standing park partners, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (@parksconservancy), the Presidio Trust (@presidiosf), and the @nationalparkservice, for such outstanding companionship and support of our work. Stay tuned! The celebrations begin next month, in December, followed by a milestone anniversary year punctuated by programs and events, and a to-be-announced biennial exhibition open to the public. In the meantime, you may have noticed we changed our name and branding, with our new website coming soon. The FOR-SITE Foundation is now FOR-SITE, yet we remain dedicated to the creation, understanding, and presentation of art about place. We look forward to celebrating with you this next year!
3 months ago
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6/9
Election Day has arrived! VOTE for the planet and the future you want to see in the world 🌍🌊 🗳️
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Election Day has arrived! VOTE for the planet and the future you want to see in the world 🌍🌊 🗳️
3 months ago
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7/9
@anateresafernandez talking sea bodies and On the Horizon on @kqed live. #LandsEnd
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@anateresafernandez talking sea bodies and On the Horizon on @kqed live. #LandsEnd
3 months ago
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8/9
“The response among members of the visual arts community in the Bay Area was swift and certain: The Times story, a consensus of those who spoke with The Chronicle said, does not represent the region accurately, and they do not see a local decline.

The most common criticism of the Times’ reporting was that San Francisco should not be viewed through the lens of an art market, but rather as a larger arts community consisting of many public and private institutions as well as independent artists, arts workers and patrons.” - @tonybravosf 

@anateresafernandez “On the Horizon” at #FORSITE’s #LandsEnd exhibition featured  in @tonybravosf “S.F.’s art scene, disparaged by the New York Times, pushes back” for @sfchronicle_datebook
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“The response among members of the visual arts community in the Bay Area was swift and certain: The Times story, a consensus of those who spoke with The Chronicle said, does not represent the region accurately, and they do not see a local decline. The most common criticism of the Times’ reporting was that San Francisco should not be viewed through the lens of an art market, but rather as a larger arts community consisting of many public and private institutions as well as independent artists, arts workers and patrons.” - @tonybravosf @anateresafernandez “On the Horizon” at #FORSITE’s #LandsEnd exhibition featured in @tonybravosf “S.F.’s art scene, disparaged by the New York Times, pushes back” for @sfchronicle_datebook
3 months ago
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9/9

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