Co-design with Communities: Nothing for Them, Without Them

We were delighted to host the UCL’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose for a closing event of their masters module “Transformation by Design” on Friday 27 March. 

As an independent grassroots venue seeking to empower and transform communities through arts practice, Grow was chosen as the space to celebrate the end of term and have presentations from speakers outside of the classroom. The module was led by Rowan Conway, a foundational figure in Hackney Wick’s creative ecology, as founder of the transdisciplinary non-profit Transformation by Design Ltd and part of the Design Team for London 2012 Olympic Park.

On the students arrival, we gave a brief introduction to Grow’s simple but radical ethos of people and planet before profit.

ON THE PANEL

We were also invited to join a panel with Rowan and multi-disciplinary artist and researcher Shiza Naveed to discuss the transformational power of arts on and with communities. 

A primary theme was the value and benefits of cross-cultural, transdisciplinary methodologies when it comes to serving and supporting communities. “The phrase has a grand history,” notes Diggs who represented Grow on the panel, “from Krzysztof Kieślowski to James Charlton to the WHO, but when engaging with any community it is vital to remember: nothing for them without them.”

Discussion included: 

Pragmatic relativism recognises that we cannot win every battle; instead, it calls for a dynamic and adaptive approach, working with the tools available to address broader systemic issues where impact is possible.

Shiza spoke at length about the benefits of transdisciplinary approaches and teams, emphasising the importance of alternative, counter-hegemonic forms of knowledge production and dissemination.

We felt that it is precisely through smaller, lower-impact decisions that Grow is able to create meaningful opportunities, such as hosting events that support mental health charities. In this way, Grow’s approach sustains itself while also contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community.

Hearing Rowan - whose own experience with the Olympic Park is central - and the course leaders speak, it was inspiring for the Grow team to hear how the impact of Grow as an inspiration to the broader cultural ecology of Hackney Wick has defined the actions of numerous sites. 

In many ways, the onus is on us now to ensure that we share our heritage and context with the wider community. Grow is an experiment is ethical business; that its ethos has inspired and drives Hackney Wick’s community engagement is something to be celebrated. 

COLLABORATING WITH STUDENTS

We are hugely grateful for Rowan’s work in this area, and for connecting with us through the next generation. This is something we have been keen to develop with universities in the past, and are committed to continuing into the future.

After the event Rowan commented :

“We chose Grow because it is a living example of the kind of public value that we teach at UCL IIPP, blending creative practices with a mindful approach to economics. Grow in effect acts as a deep demonstration of an organisation living its values, from its position as a living wage employer to its advocacy for the local community. The place is also an inspiring and artful space to host events.”

It was a joyous occasion of celebration for the students, and a chance for us to connect and give back to the artistic and student communities so close to us. And a keen reminder to any that came that Grow has a 10% student discount running at all times!