As if by magic, a shop keeper appeared
- Impermanent things have value
As I write this – at the end of March – and look out of my kitchen window, there’s blossom on some of the trees. Others still look bare, like it’s still Winter. There’s a chill-wind one minute and sunshine the next.
Nature provides signs that the Seasons are changing and we construct a story of the year for ourselves using these as milestones. The fact that the trees are in blossom very briefly is what makes them important to us.
Using public space on a mass-scale but on a temporary basis – the economic downturn could go on for months or several years, no one knows – would work on a similar principle. You couldn’t screw shelves into the walls and carry out major architectural alterations.
It would force artists and other people making use of the buildings to be inventive and thrifty, creating unique, memorable and beautiful spaces by the simple utilisation of recycled furniture and fittings, found objects, clever uses of colour and light.
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7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Ivan Pope
Excellent, great post.
Here’s some info on the Brighton slack space group (not started by me, fyi):
i’ve started a group called slack space brighton
http://tinyurl.com/slacksp
slack space is about putting people in empty buildings.
to make use of the space in the city and make it more conducive to starting projects.
Apr 2nd, 2009
Tim
Cheers Ivan. I’m in Lewes. Our Woolies is standing dormant but there’s no talk above a murmur about utilising the space. I’m sure Bill’s got his eye on it.
Artemis have done something a bit similar in the run-down Phoenix industrial estate.
Typically, my Brighton Festival contacts were clueless about any space that could be used in May. I think this is all going to be self-organising, which is exactly right.
Apr 2nd, 2009
Dougald Hine
Hi Tim -
Thanks for linking to my post – I’m glad Matt put us in touch. I’m planning a trip to Brighton in a week or so’s time, so it would be good to meet up, if possible.
I suspect you’re right about “slack space” – the connotations of “slack” don’t always go down well.
Love the fact that you make the connection to seasonality. One of my long-term preoccupations has been with “timeliness” and its absence in modern society. (And Hutton is involved with one of the other organisations I help out with – http://theblackdentrust.org.uk.)
I’m creating a Ning network for people involved with “Alternative Third Spaces”, including reuse of empty space – will send you a link.
Dougald
Apr 22nd, 2009
Tim
Hi Dougald – Hutton’s a big influence, on me and on Beekeeper Chris with his historian hat on.
Definitely up for meeting. We’re up the road in Lewes but happy to come into town. Emailing you my mobile no. – tim
Apr 22nd, 2009
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