At the next session, we visited the site at Hawthorne Avenue for a nice sort of biscuit-picnic.
The purpose of this was two-fold. To re-acquaint ourselves with the site, and also to invite a conversation with passers by, local residents and people who work in the area. We hoped that this would allow a more involved conversation with the place.
We chatted with anyone who stopped for tea and biscuits, and learned that feeling about the development of the area were varied and not always straightforward.
We chatted with anyone who stopped for tea and biscuits, and learned that feeling about the development of the area were varied and not always straightforward.
We offered tags and postcards to people who were shy or in a hurry, so that they could respond to our question "how do you feel about the changes that are happening in this area?".
We reflected on these conversations later, and on the complexities of regeneration as a process, and shared;
We reflected on these conversations later, and on the complexities of regeneration as a process, and shared;
- A sense of empathy with residents frustrations / fears as well as their hopes
- A sense that we may be regarded negatively as ‘others’ who cannot help.
- Frustration with residents for not wishing to have a conversation
- A sense of sadness / desolation of site
- A wish to be optimistic about the future
- A sense of this being a strange ‘in-between’ time for the site – what can that mean?
Big Questions:
- Is this intervention we are designing ‘for’ anyone / anything?
- Is it our role to ‘help’?
- Is it our role to consult with the residents?
- What can an intervention do?
- What are artists / designers / architects able to achieve in terms of changing lives?
- What are we – as ‘Small Change’ able to achieve ?
- What do we feel are our responsibilities / right as a creative team?
Our Hopes:
- To bring creativity to the regeneration process
- An opportunity to positively represent creativity and resourcefulness
- A ‘call out’ for contribution (from community, creatives, regen agencies?)
- Optimism for future
- A way of celebrating area heritage / human experience / ordinary life.
- Bring people together
- Create a moment of wonder / dreaming / imagination
- Work will ‘connect’ with resident
- Also potential for: Reflecting on residents experiences, or feeding information resulting from any collaboration with residents back to Gateway / council.
Our Fears
- That we might mis-represent creativity to residents
- Be seen as ‘outsiders’ / tourists – patronising / alienating.
- Tokenistic
- Short time frame / low budget limiting options