Knitting Communities!

I am really looking forward to this year’s LFA because of its theme of ‘Community’. The programme looks enticing-  with range of events that will question the role of architecture and current practice regarding cohesion and community,  – pertinent as London undergoes its latest cycle of renewal and regeneration. What particularly interests me is the role of arts and culture in regeneration. What impact have artists working in socially engaged practice had on the way politicians, stakeholders and developers view the importance of culture and community on place making?

I work as the Arts and Culture Curator for the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, which is currently delivering a major regeneration programme – spanning Lambeth Bridge to Chelsea Bridge. The neighbourhoods of Battersea, Nine Elms and Vauxhall are all undergoing a radical transform at an incredible pace. We are delivering 20,000 new homes, (4,500 affordable), 6.5m sq. ft. of commercial space, two tube stations, a new embassy district, a major food quarter, a leading edge cultural destination and a revitalised public realm. Our ambition is to support the development of a series of lively, interesting and integrated neighbourhoods, that will successfully knit the area into existing local communities and London as a whole. I will be looking for any insights and tips from vast array of expertise taking part in this years LFA programme!