Public Voice: Common Ground is working with Jersey Development Company, to host a free drop-in clay-based workshop to allow Islanders to have their say about the future of Jersey for its residents.
Participants will be in conversation and modelling shoulder to shoulder, with Earthworks founder and London-based artist Jo Pearl. Jo’s previous career as architectural PR at Norman Foster and Partners gives her an important understanding of the role public engagement plays in creating a sense of place for residents. This understanding, combined with her training as a sculptor, lead her to set up Earthworks.
More engaging than questionnaires, Earthworks is a playful way to involve the public in a creative conversation. Participants spend time thinking, discussing and modelling their ideas in clay.
Jo Pearl expplained: “This event is suitable for all individuals of all ages, ranging from three-year-olds to 103. Nearly everyone has experienced the joy of playing with mud, clay or plasticine at some stage in their lives. Alongside the therapeutic advantages of play, a relaxed environment where conversations naturally flow offers great opportunities for generating ideas.”
Public Voice: Common Ground is a pilot based on community research for a Public Realm Partnership. This was part-sponsored by The Government of Jersey’s Economy Department last year and is a social enterprise to improve St Helier for its people – it is a partnership between government, business and community.
The pilot would like to hear from 10% of Jersey’s community regarding the aspirations and challenges facing public spaces in St Helier. This is through the three minute survey (click here) or by taking part in community events such as Earthworks.
At the end of the year, a commission will be created based on the voice of Jersey’s community. The pilot also illustrates what’s possible through temporary pop-up sites in St Helier this summer, such as the Pop-up Park.
Public Voice: Common Ground founder Sasha Gibb: “JDC were one of the 47 stakeholders interviewed for the initial research last year. Lee Henry and the JDC team have been enormously supportive from the start of the partnership, the pilot and our mission to improve our public spaces for people. JDC’s investment and vision has enabled us to bring Jo Pearl to Jersey, as well as turning part of the pétanque pitch into a multi-use public park. The pilot is the result of many partners working together across sectors. The park has also been made possible by design partners Antony Gibb Ltd, Romerils, Acorn, Grow with Mont à l’Abbé school, the Economy and Arts and Culture Teams at GoJ. The grass will remain until early September and provide a much-needed green haven for our community.”
- The Pop-Up Park at the Pétanque Pitch, Weighbridge Place is from open 22nd July until early September.
- Earthworks is open Friday 28th July, 3pm – 7pm, and Saturday 29th July, 10.30am – 1pm.
The first 100 participants will receive complimentary ice cream and Brass Souls are playing on Friday evening from 5.45pm.
Earthworks is part of a series of free Public Voice: Common Ground events over the summer. Click here for more details.
