What is the CCTV Treasure Hunt?

The CCTV Treasure Hunt is an interactive game both on-line and on-the-ground that aims to map the UK’s camera surveillance network.

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With over 4.2 million CCTV cameras across the country, there is no doubt about it: Britain is a surveillance society. And the great achievement of a surveillance society is instilling a sense of ‘being watched’ on its subjects so they ‘normalise’ their own behaviour in an act of self-policing. But if ‘normal’ is only the type of behaviour that obeys the rules and laws of those who watch society, who watches them?

Turn your cameras towards the CCTV cameras and use you camera-phone as a form of sousveillance! Join in in a game of watching the watchers and help chart the UK’s system of control. Check out the map to see what’s already been found and contribute to the on-going debate…. Grab your mobile and get snapping!

The CCTV Treasure Hunt @ The Uses of Intelligence

From the 15th October to 21st November, the CCTV Treasure Hunt will be taking part in this years Design Event 09, featuring at The Uses of Intelligence exhibition, @ Washington Arts Centre.

The CCTV Treasure Hunt will feature a video installation set in the gallery during the exhibition, as well as a series of urban games in three cities across the North East.

Join us in playing the CCTV Treasure Hunt on one the following dates:

• Newcastle – 17th October / 11am-1pm, meet @ Newcastle City Library (Creche room) map

• Washington – 24th October / 11am-1pm, meet @ Washington Library map
• Sunderland – 31st October / 12-2pm, meet @ Sunderland City Library and Arts Centre (Education room) map
  

Participating: The games are free and open to anyone but places are limited, please call us on 077 25 22 33 53 to tell us you’re coming if you can, so that we have an indication of numbers.

What you need to bring: The main tool you need to play the game is a camera phone (preferably with Bluetooth) if you have one. If not, don’t worry, we’ll pair you up with another player who does have one. The game takes place outdoors in the city, so dress for the weather.