THE PROJECT
Photo: Graham Carlow
THE CONSULTATION:
Following their success in securing £3.5 million of MyPlace funding (a DCSF fund managed by Big Lottery) Islington Council began steps to develop a new, world-class performing arts centre for young people in the old laundry rooms and wash house of Hornsey Road Baths which will open in Spring 2011.
Commissioned by Islington Town, All Change worked with the 14 Young Advisors who were set the task to consult with local young people, parents/carers and residents to gather opinions and ideas for the centre and to raise awareness and ownership of the space locally
All Change appointed a team of 7 artists, led by Sarah Butler and supported by All Change’s Artistic Director, Suzanne Lee, to support the advisors in delivering creative consultation workshops with a variety of groups. The consultation activities used a variety of artforms to engage and explore ideas including drama, dance, photography, visual arts, creative writing and sound.
Creative material generated and factual information gathered, was brought together and presented as a final performance to Stakeholders at Hornsey Road Baths on 3 September 2009, and as a display on site for tours on 4 & 5 September 2009.
THE FINDINGS:
During the workshops, the young advisors created a range of topics for their findings including the need for a dedicated social space where young people can chill out, full accessibility options for wheelchair users, a cafe and areas suitable for community use and hire.
Through consultation with local and interested organisations, possibilities of partnerships emerged. This could include art companies hiring spaces, being coming associates and/ or offering services such as training or mentoring. Professional artists could be commissioned to create art works, become mentors and/or contribute to the management Board.
In terms of the branding and design, Young people were resistant to the idea of something that was either too ‘old’ – which might feel old-fashioned and not very appealing to young people or too ‘new’ – which might feel too sterile or ‘office-like’. Young people were keen on the branding concepts suggested by Morag Myerscough to have impact throughout the building and carried through into the website and printed materials, and all visual materials associated with the space. Ideas for young people to be involved in helping to create this were welcomed.
WHAT NEXT:
Following the Final Design Concept presentation to stakeholders on 3 September 2009, the Young Advisors are continuing to play a key role, working with Islington Council, in seeing the development of Hornsey Road Baths through to its successful realisation. The team will be working with designer Morag Mysercough to develop a branding and design ‘manifesto’ for the building, which will inform how the name for the centre is chosen and how all elements of design for the signage, furnishing and interiors are developed.
They will shortly begin working on awareness raising activities, developing outreach projects with local young people and thinking about ideas for the opening event for the building in 2011.They will also continue to participate in Project Board meetings and have a say in the appointment of contractors for the building and construction work, which begins in Spring 2010.
