Art to bridge gaps in regeneration
We are pleased to have a guest blog by Shiro Muchiri, founder and creative director of SoShiro, a Collaborative Platform, Consultancy, event Space and Shop that nurtures, celebrates and communicates our artistic and cultural diversity. SoShiro's mission is to bring the richness of the world’s art, design and craft into the popular imagination in a way that is exciting, relevant and mutually beneficial to all.
In this piece, Shiro talks about the power of art in bridging gaps within regeneration. From using the term 'placeguarding' rather than 'placemaking', engaging with communities to build trust, and taking inspiration from the local area to guide art pieces, these were just some of the ideas discussed during a panel event with industry heavyweights in late 2022.
By Shiro Muchiri, Founder of SoShiro
As a curator, I’m fascinated by the symbiotic relationship art and architecture can have on place and local identity. In late 2022 I hosted a panel event at SoShiro – Art in Architecture/Future Heritage - bringing together developers, architects, artists and community champions to explore the potential impact art in architecture has in evolving the story of cities.
We began with a discussion led by architect Pedro Gil about the problematic term of ‘placemaking’ - a place almost always already exists. He prefers ‘place guarding’ and champions development which turns up the volume on the qualities of existing communities as well as introducing new voices.
“I speak to artists every day and am passionate about ensuring that space is created for local narratives in urban developments. These shared experiences underlined my belief that art is a powerful tool to tell stories and create future heritage."
This was mirrored by community activator Binki Taylor, who highlighted how art and architecture can build relationships when commissioners take the time to work out what’s important to local people. In her work for The Brixton Project, Binki helps developers to be less apprehensive about engaging local people, and in turn supports communities to use their voice to ensure the best outcome for everyone.
Development strategist Hanna Afolabi spoke of art’s capacity to create resonance between people and place, including urban furniture like public seating and railings. She recommended open and honest communication between all parties involved in regeneration – developers, local authorities, design teams and local communities – as key to building trust from the start. Hanna also shared how art has been used to great effect in engaging people through active consultation workshops.
Artist Mac Collins gave an insight to his creative approach to permanent artworks in public space, saying his process would be led by an understanding of the people navigating around the work and living with it day to day. Mac’s goal would be to enhance local people’s experience rather than imposing an abstract idea on them. It was clear from everyone’s contribution that art in architecture has huge potential in bridging the gap between old and new, and allowing people to feel part of an evolving place. Key to achieving this is thinking about art strategy, commissioning and local engagement early in the development process.
I speak to artists every day and am passionate about ensuring that space is created for local narratives in urban developments. These shared experiences underlined my belief that art is a powerful tool to tell stories and create future heritage, and that the process can be inclusive when everyone commits to meaningful creative collaboration.
“Meaningful engagement can support people to become champions of place and help it come alive. Art with local resonance has an important role to play in this process"
For developers and boroughs, positive engagement will ultimately bring rewards – socially as well as economically. Binki proposed an industry shift from an ambition of growth to thrive; developers acting as custodians of place for the long term by establishing neighbourhoods that truly look after people. Social sustainability being an essential part of creating economic sustainability.
Challenging the assumption that community plays a negative role in development, meaningful engagement can support people to become champions of place and help it come alive. Art with local resonance has an important role to play in this process.
To illustrate this, each panelist nominated a piece of art in an urban setting which they felt had a strong connection with place. Examples varied from murals and bridges to sculptures and performance spaces – you can see the nominated artworks and hear the conversation in full at the link below. And if you’d like to learn more about how art can build bridges with communities, I’d love to hear from you.
Art in Architecture / Future Heritage can be viewed in full HERE.
The talk was hosted by SoShiro and chaired by Francesca Perry.
Panelists: Hanna Afolabi, Mood and Space; Binki Taylor, The Brixton Project; Pedro Gil, Studio Gil; Mac Collins, Mac Collins Design.
With additional contributions from Selasi Setufe and Josh Fenton