David Higgins

David Higgins' using a knit road and knotted strings to tell the stories of former building inhabitants.

NPS Photo

Artist-in-Residence: David Higgins

(January-March 2018)

In 2018, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park welcomed interdisciplinary artist David Higgins as an Artist-in-Residence. With over a decade of experience in puppetry and other theatrical disciplines, Higgins is known for his innovative approach to storytelling. Recently, he has been exploring the integration of digital media to enhance his creative process, pushing the boundaries of traditional theater and puppetry.

Higgins’s residency at the park focused on experimentation, reflecting the spirit of artistic freedom and community engagement fostered by the park’s Artist-in-Residence Program. He was inspired by the park’s Maker Space, a dynamic environment that supports creativity and exploration, and the program’s commitment to providing artists with the opportunity to innovate and take risks.

During his residency, Higgins chose to embrace the process of creation as a journey rather than a predetermined path. His work blended his skills in various media, drawing on his expertise in puppetry and his passion for storytelling. With a focus on collaboration and experimentation, Higgins created pieces informed by the stories and materials unique to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

“I am excited by the space that has been made for artists at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park,” Higgins shared. “Even with all the solid planning and groundwork, the park is trying something new, and that always entails both risk and learning. It is also exciting. So, in planning what I will be doing for my residency at the park, I choose experimentation.”

Higgins work during the residency reflected his commitment to blending objects and stories, creating art that was deeply connected to the circumstances and place of its making. Whether through a performance, a gallery installation, or a hybrid of the two, Higgins embraced the challenges and opportunities of his residency, engaging with the community and leaving a lasting impact on the park’s artistic legacy.

His contributions underscored the importance of creativity and experimentation in preserving and interpreting history. As an Artist-in-Residence, Higgins demonstrated how art can enrich the visitor experience and inspire new ways of connecting with the stories of New Bedford. His time at the park stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, collaboration, and innovation.

Visit their website at: https://www.anotherdavidhiggins.com/