The Community Works - shared display space
The Pitch
Problem statement
Oxford, a city associated with wealth and exclusivity, is also home to some of the poorest communities in England, with huge disparities in income and opportunity. High costs mean many don’t have access to affordable, fit-for-purpose space. Whilst planning for The Community Works (TCW), local engagement revealed that many people feel “pushed out” by the city’s institutions and tourism. They report a lack of central space that provides a sense of ownership and a place to “just be”. TCW’s new city centre display space will help fulfil these needs - for artists, makers, community groups and social enterprises. Use would be prioritised for those from most Covid affected communities.
Solution
Our goal is to create an impactful, display space that weaves throughout the building. Funding would cover the purchase and installation of equipment including fittings, frames and lighting – providing a flexi-system to support a regularly changing programme. It would cover fees and materials to create an opening public display. Produced by Makespace Oxford, working with a local artist, it would develop sketches from workshops earlier this year, where local people created designs to make the space feel welcoming and engaging for their community. Going forward, the space would allow for simple changeovers and an infusion of new content, welcoming community use, for free or very little cost.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Makespace has established an innovative and sustainable social business model for bringing empty and underused buildings back into use for community benefit and building a culture of mutual aid across Oxford’s social enterprise sector. We have enabled over 90 organisations, priced out of Oxford, with secure and affordable space to grow. In 2018, Makespace won the OCVA “Innovation Award” and in 2019, were awarded the ‘Meanwhile Prize’. We have attracted over 2,000 visitors in the past 3 years through performances, seminars and community meetings. We recently secured a tender with Oxfordshire county council to open up to 50 new spaces across the county in the next year.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Hanging system - equipment - 20 x cables/ fittings @ £25 | £500 |
| Wall panels & information labels - 5 x printed panels @ £60 = £300/ 20 x labels @ £15 = £300 | £600 |
| Technical installation - professional fees - 3 x days @ £175 | £525 |
| Lighting track, fittings & installation - 20 x spotlights @ £25 = £500/ 5 x tracks @ £40 = £200/ 3 x days to fit @ £175 = £525 | £1,225 |
| Opening display - professional fees and materials - 4 x days @ £175 = £700/ materials @ £500 | £1,200 |
Beneficiaries
500 people
Expected impact
We estimate the project will support 10 displays a year, many of which may involve multiple participants. The project will have a positive impact on an estimated 100 primary beneficiaries (average 10 people involved in each display) - including Oxford based community groups, creative professionals and social enterprises. With the outcome being they feel more visible and represented, achieved through free / affordable opportunities to present their work publicly. The outcome, for an estimated minimum of 400 secondary beneficiaries (approx. 65 a month) will be that they feel local residents and communities are better represented, that they feel connected to others’ work and lives and welcome in the space. The project would provide a platform for local arts and culture, presenting the flexibility for a diverse and inclusive programme. Impact would be measured through targets met and qualitative questionnaire feedback.