Augmented reality and community engagement: re-imagining Potrero Grande for visibility and social awareness

Abstract

This study analyzes how Augmented Reality (AR) can increase visibility and awareness of vulnerable communities through art-based interventions. With the leadership of Tecnocentro Cultural Somos Pacífico (TCSP), universities and artistic organizations collaborated in creating the project “Reimagining Potrero Grande”, which combined immersive experiences using art and technology. The mixed-method approach in this study involved community co-creation, qualitative interviews, and survey analysis to assess the impact of AR-enhanced storytelling. The results from the survey analysis demonstrate that these technologies enhance emotional connection, foster cultural appreciation, and help challenge stigmas associated with the community. Notably, the study found an exceptionally strong correlation (r = 0.87) between participant satisfaction and perceived AR contribution to art exhibitions, with 80% correlation between satisfaction and willingness to recommend the experience, providing robust empirical evidence that AR not only enhances emotional connection and cultural appreciation but also transforms viewers into active advocates for the community’s narratives. Participants reported an increased emotional connection to community narratives after the experience, highlighting its effectiveness as a catalyst for social change. This work underscores the potential of AR to democratize access to art, inspire reflection, and establish models for community interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional collaboration in achieving sustainable impact.