Watkin Jones Group’s Post

Day 1 / City Canvas Symposium - Public Art, Urban Play and Creative Sports: An interesting conversation today about the 'urban exclusion problem' in our cities. Development and planning have failed to capture and cater to the needs of our youth and young adults, often resulting in them being marginalised and relegated to outlying skate parks for social interaction. Our public spaces are developed for 'adultification', with bland features that de-risk public assets and make them irrelevant to young people. If we flip our thinking, public spaces and assets can serve multiple purposes to benefit our whole society. A public artwork can increase liveability and cultural identity, but if it's also a skatable asset, then instantly, it becomes more relevant to broader part of our community. By integrating active infrastructure into the fabric of our cities, we can foster true inclusivity and create more connected communities. Thanks for the insights Sanné Mestrom Felicity Fenner Indigo Willing Nadia Odlum and thank you to Aunty Ding for the very special Welcome to Country #artplayrisk #publicart #publicdomain #urbanplanning #liveability #inclusivity #industrialdesign

Preserve Summerhall as a Cultural Hub in Edinburgh! Please sign this petition to protect Edinburgh's cultural heritage and preserve spaces like Summerhall for future generations. The potential sale of Summerhall, a vital cultural institution in the city, is deeply concerning. To the petition: https://chng.it/F88BGtwb6k Since its transformation from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2011, Summerhall has been a thriving multi-arts venue, hosting over 110 companies, galleries, studios, and community spaces, such as the Artiscience Library, which international Bioartist Oron Catts, University of Western Australia, called "a unique treasure-house of inspiration”. To convert Summerhall into apartments or student flats would not only strip away a crucial cultural asset but also diminish the unique character of the community. We urge to explore alternative solutions that preserve Summerhall's role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Whether through community ownership, partnerships with cultural organizations, or other innovative approaches, there are viable alternatives that can ensure Summerhall's continued success. #art #innovation #creativity #galleries #studios #communityengagement #communityspace #culturalinstitute #STEAM #libraries #artiscience

so grateful for #public #broadcasters like TVO who develop nourishing #education opportunities and #partnerships that give meaningful #context to #contemporary matters such as with #programs like the #Life-Sized #City - generously made #accessible online 'At the heart of every city is its #citizens. Our #perception of #cities is slowly #changing from a #model of #mathematical #engineering to a #human #habitat where #urban #spaces have the potential to be #healthy, #attractive, #interesting and #efficient. In this six-part #series, #urban #design #expert Mikael Colville-Andersen #explores the #anatomy and #vibrancy of the #modern #metropolis, #highlighting #pockets of life-sized #goodness in cities around the #world. #intergenerational #intercultural #placebased #onehealth #naturefirst #inclusive #planning #regenerative #wellbeing #resilientcommunities #socialinnovation #placemaking #AQ #sdgs #NbD #integrated #colocation #culturalheritage #qli #safe #clean #airshed #watershed #land #food #leadership #naturepositive #equity #diversity #belonging #mobility #RQ #activeliving #socialconnection #public #health #space #EQ https://lnkd.in/gqWsZdS3

Programme update: Eyes on the Square - Cinema (day 2, session 9.4) Did you know that public squares have a huge impact on the quality of life for urban residents? Especially in vulnerable neighbourhoods. They facilitate exercise, community interaction, play, and climate adaption, all of which impact the health of locals. However, the experiences, wants, and needs of these local, marginalised communities get overlooked in the redevelopment process. How can public squares integrate all these different functions and become inclusive places for all citizens? With the short documentary ‘Eyes on the Square’, the makers combine general principles from experts, best practices throughout the Netherlands, and perspectives from local residents to advocate for why the unheard should have the loudest voice in urban public space planning. Keep your eyes on the silver screen to absorb all vital information to make your city just a bit more inclusive. To catch the screening, go to FGC2024.com/timetable to map out your ultimate Future Green City experience! Koninklijke VHG Koninklijke Vereniging Stadswerk Nederland AIPH World Urban Parks IFME International Federation of Municipal Engineering VNG (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten) #UrbanDesign #urbanplanning #FutureCities

Accessibility : Beyond Availability It is very easy to focus on the availability of physical things in a space like ramps, seats, and play areas when investigating how accessible a place is. However, there are state of the art spaces that have all the ‘right’ physical things, yet have several barriers that hinder their use. In this interview, CBC/Radio-Canada , I speak to the different dimensions of access that can be explored through the social production of space framework. The framework explores how space is a perceived outcome of interactions across planning and design, physical features that emerge, and social and cultural desires and interpretations. #ListenUp Justice in Environments of Leisure Laboratory

More exciting news! 🎉 I’m thrilled to share that I’ve completed an educational workshop series with Project for Public Spaces! This milestone (in addition to attending Making It Public with Forecast Public Art earlier this year) reaffirms my commitment to integrating these transformative principles into the arts and culture sector. Arts and cultural institutions hold immense potential as public spaces—places where people gather, share stories, and co-create meaning. By applying the principles of creative placemaking, we can intentionally design these spaces to be inclusive, vibrant, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. But it doesn't stop there—cultural placekeeping reminds us to honor, sustain, and uplift the rich cultural legacies that make these spaces thrive. Imagine arts institutions not just as performance venues but as dynamic community centers, fostering dialogue, creativity, and belonging. From hosting neighborhood events to facilitating intergenerational storytelling, the possibilities are endless when we center people and their lived experiences. I’m eager to continue exploring how these frameworks can reimagine arts institutions as hubs of connection, healing, and equity. Let's keep the conversation going—how are you bringing creative placemaking and placekeeping to life in your work? #CreativePlacemaking #CulturalPlacekeeping #ArtsAndCulture #CommunityEngagement #PublicSpaces

Exciting plans have been unveiled for a £6.8 million redevelopment of the Museum of Hartlepool and the restoration of the historic Wingfield Castle paddle steamer. This ambitious project, led by Hartlepool Borough Council with The National Lottery Heritage Fund support, aims to transform the town’s cultural landscape. ✨ Highlights: 🏛 Museum Overhaul – Accessible design, expanded galleries, interactive exhibits, and new community spaces. 🚢 Wingfield Castle Revival – Restoration of the iconic paddle steamer to create unique event spaces. 🌟 Enhanced Visitor Experiences – A reimagined quayside and modern facilities for locals and tourists. This project will celebrate Hartlepool’s history while driving education, tourism, and community engagement. https://lnkd.in/eDxU6NzK #HeritageRestoration #CulturalTourism #CommunityInnovation

🌳 How far are you from a public garden? Today, take a moment to visit a public garden, where this season, nature's splendor unfurls in vibrant displays of color and fragrance. These green sanctuaries offer moments of serenity amidst urban chaos, inviting contemplation and renewal. 🏞 From May 3rd to the 12th, it’s National Public Gardens Week in the US. To celebrate, we are showcasing #FallenFruit, an #arts collaboration exploring interstitial urban spaces, bodies of knowledge, and new forms of citizenship. 🍎 Their thought-provoking #artwork “FallenFruit: Elysian Park 2005,” is a collaged photograph on giclee print that underscores the importance of public education and environmental activism. In their words, “Public education is the key to changing the future. Global and local environmental issues are not taught in school curricula nationwide.” 🚶♀️So venture out... What do you see? Hear? Smell? What’s lacking? What requires change? What merits preservation? Then, remember to share your creative perspectives with us! art4development.net #tbt 🌎 #ecoart #ecoartist #art #urbanart #art4development #publicartwork #nationalparks #publicgardens #publiceducation #environmentalstewardship #environmentalsustainability #naturesbeauty #sdg11

🌟 The Power of Public Light Art: Transforming Urban Spaces and Enhancing Community Well-being 🌟 In the heart of our bustling cities, public art plays a vital role in enhancing urban aesthetics and fostering a sense of community. One powerful example is the transformative impact of public light art. These installations not only beautify neglected areas but also offer profound mental health benefits for the community. 🎨 Enhancing Urban Environments: Public light art brings a unique charm to cityscapes, turning mundane spaces into visual masterpieces. Think of New York City’s High Line, where interactive light sculptures add vibrancy to the urban jungle, making evening strolls a mesmerizing experience. In Hobart, the Dark Mofo festival illuminates the city with striking light installations, transforming the wintery streets into a vibrant cultural hotspot and drawing visitors from around the world. 🏙️ Revitalizing Neglected Areas: Neglected urban areas often suffer from a lack of community engagement. Public light art can change that. Consider the transformation of Lyon's once-dingy alleyways into captivating "Tunnel of Light" pathways. This not only improved safety and cleanliness but also drew people back into these spaces, fostering a renewed sense of pride and ownership among residents. Similarly, the “Lumiere” festival in Durham, UK, illuminates neglected parts of the city, breathing new life into forgotten spaces and encouraging community involvement. 💡 Positive Community Mental Health Support: Beyond aesthetics, public light art has a profound impact on mental health. Research has shown that exposure to art can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being. For example, the "Field of Light" installation in London provides a serene and calming environment, encouraging mindfulness and reflection. In Japan, the “TeamLab Borderless” digital art museum in Tokyo immerses visitors in mesmerizing light art, creating a sanctuary of tranquility and wonder amidst the urban rush. Incorporating public light art into urban planning is more than just an investment in beauty; it’s an investment in the mental health and cohesion of our communities. As we continue to innovate and improve our cities, let’s champion the role of art in creating healthier, happier urban environments. #PublicArt #UrbanImprovement #CommunityWellbeing #MentalHealth #CityLife #LightArt #themandalsocial #darkmofo #teamlab #lumierdurham #Fieldoflighr

There’s nothing quite like the moment a mural is unveiled. 🎉 It’s not just the art that takes centre stage - it’s the shared pride, joy, and connection that comes alive! These unveiling moments at Co-Creative Connection celebrate the finished murals as well as the journey of collaboration, the friendships formed, and the collective creativity that made it possible. 💛 Community art is the gift that keeps on giving! It transforms spaces and, more importantly, builds bonds. The process teaches us that every voice matters, every contribution counts, and every shared moment leaves a lasting impact. Watching the smiles, the excitement, and the sense of achievement during these celebrations reaffirms why this work is so important. A mural isn’t just an artistic statement; it’s a lasting legacy of unity and belonging that continues to inspire long after the ribbon is cut. What’s one project you’ve worked on that has left a lasting impact? We’d love to hear your reflections! ❤️ #CommunityArt #CreativeCollaboration #ArtForConnection #MuralUnveiling #ImpactThroughArt #CoCreativeConnection