There is something exciting about our view from MakerWorld since we enabled the graffiti jam on these hoardings at the weekend and it’s given me pause for thought.
What makes this image so appealing?
It reminds me that the images shown at the National High Street Task Force workshops were dominated by street art. Is it purely aesthetic? The mix of old and new? Or is it because it represents creative communities shaping their town?
Either way…
We have been ‘allowed’ to do this because the hoardings are temporary. And yet. What happens when all the new shiny buildings are finished and there is no grubby unfinished areas which allow local creatives to make their mark?
The area about to be knocked down has amazing window displays and exciting offers in what were old and worn shopping units – but are now fantastic creative spaces – where there is no anxiety about making a mess or perfect floors/ walls/ceilings. People don’t come because of the architecture, they come to be creative and to be part of a creative and child-centred community.
Don’t get me wrong – what’s happening to the building behind those hoardings looks really exciting… but…. is it a mistake to replace all old dishevelled areas in towns with shiny and new? Is there a risk of new and shiny being clean and clinical? Culture and creativity stem from mess, chaos and experimentation. How can new developments ensure that the conditions for creativity continue alongside the shiny new-builds?