Cultivate the Possible
New SUM in Riparia
An Interactive Installation with the EcoGeoGlyphic Observatory (EGG)
June 7 – August 2, 2025 | MING Studios
New SUM is an interactive installation and evolving strategy game rooted in community co-creation. Developed through prior collaborations with artists, organizers, gardeners, educators, and civic thinkers, it explores themes of land use, food systems, intergenerational knowledge, and structural change.
At Riparia, visitors encounter miniature sets, speculative infrastructure, and scenario-based prompt cards—crafted from real outcomes of past game sessions and adapted to reflect the rapidly shifting social and ecological conditions of 2025.
As with architectural models used to propose new developments, the dioramas at Riparia invite you to see possibility in material form. Visitors are encouraged to move elements, reflect on what's there, and add new pieces over time. Prompt cards placed with the sets bring up questions around community capacity, resilience, and shared decision-making—especially in light of this year's cuts to federal funding for DEI and climate-conscious work.
You’ll also find glimpses into alternative systems like Time Banks, challenging us to reconsider how we value time, care, and participation beyond nonprofit structures and grant cycles. Later this month, QR codes will be added that allow visitors to draw rotating scenario prompts and further activate the sets.
This isn’t a static show—it’s a growing site of shared visioning.
New SUM Event Schedule
Location: MING Studios, 420 S. 6th Street, Boise
Admission: Free and open to the public. RSVP encouraged where noted.
Please visit the EGG Riparia Calendar for a slew of interactive, informative events and activities!
Explore and Remix: Guided Tour and Workshop
Friday, June 27 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
A hands-on tour of the New SUM dioramas and sets. Learn how to interact with the scenarios, explore storylines developed through previous game sessions, and leave your own mark. Participants can move elements, add to the space, or simply reflect and return with a contribution later.
Game Night: New SUM
Thursday, July 3 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Many players walk away from a game of New SUM thinking, “We should actually do this…”! This themed session is a chance to try. Step into gameplay shaped by the exhibit itself—exploring shared goals, systemic challenges, and bold alternatives. All are welcome.
Please RSVP using the form on this page!
Assembly Workshop: Hands-On Creation for Diorama Sets
Thursday, July 17 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Make your own additions to the dioramas—cutout characters, plants, statement signs, wild creatures—mounted with toothpicks so they can be added directly into the sets. Materials provided, or bring something special to share. No experience needed, just imagination.
Game Night: New SUM
Thursday, July 24 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
A second session of gameplay in Riparia. Explore scenarios drawn from recent headlines and long-standing local tensions. Designed for up to 7 players per round. Bring a friend or join solo—we’ll team you up at the table.
Please RSVP using the form on this page!
Creative Writing Circle: Story the Scenario
Thursday, July 31 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Guided by a local writer and facilitator, this generative session invites you to explore the deeper narratives inside the world of New SUM. Using established scenarios, you'll begin shaping a short story, reflection, or article. Ideal for writers, artists, and curious minds.
About the Project
New SUM is a community-generated game of strategy, adaptation, and shared imagination—now brought into physical form as part of Riparia, a group exhibition at MING Studios presented by the EcoGeoGlyphic Observatory. The installation is open through August 2, 2025 and will continue to grow and change through audience participation.
Visitors are encouraged to return, bring friends, and contribute again—especially as new features like the rotating digital scenario deck (launching via QR code late June) come online.
TransValley CycloRail Set
A vision of regenerative transit linking towns, farms, and futures. Featuring a Time Bank Station and a reimagined local rail, this set invites questions about energy, access, and what it means to move in sync with community needs.
Pocket Neighborhoods Set
Exploring cooperative housing, shared caregiving, and edible yard transformations. What could emerge when neighbors reimagine how they live, grow, and support one another?
RESERVE Your Game Night Spot!
The game is designed for 7 players.
However, you can bring 1-2 people to join you as you team up with other players during the rounds of play.
