Gamble Hill – The Highrise Project

The Gamble Hill Project was a project that ran in the Gamble Hill area of Leeds aimed at engaging tenants. We were asked to work with residents of Gamble Hill using art as a tool to engage residents in conversations. The Project began during lockdown. Originally we intended for particpants to take part remotely in sessions and the project with the support of Barca began conversations with local residents about getting involved in the art

STAGE 1: ENGAGEMENT

Through conversations The highrise Project gained a better understanding of the barriers faced by particpants during a global pandemic. We had assumed that the issues that would prevent participation would be caused by lack of access to data or suitable devices. Most tenants that wanted to be involved did have access to date in some way but it was clear that the mental work load of getting involved in projects when people were worrying about living standards, health issues and of course a pandemic were a bigger barrier than digitise inclusion.

Many tenants signed up to be involved with the workshops but found it difficult to spend time on ‘ fun activities’ due to being in ‘survival mode’ because of this we adapted several times how we reached out to particpants

Over all we visited over 300 houses, using Covid 19 precautions as specified in our risk assessments. We had over 30 conversations not only about the project but about local issues. We were able to pass on information about individual concerns to the local housing office.

STAGE 2: REMOTE POSTCARD ACTIVITY

Participants who signed up to take part in workshops received a selection of art materials to work with from home. This included the question, What can you see from your window. Participants were encouraged to respond to the question using the contents of the pack, this could include collage, print, paint, drawings or cut poetry.

STAGE 3: DROP IN WORKSHOPS GAMBLE HILL GRANGE

In August of 2021 The highrise Project set up outside workshops and encouraged local residents to participants in workshops. Residents produced a series of photographs and collages. Residents who didn’t get involved in workshops came along to talk about the area and changes they have seen, history they remembered and their hopes for the future of the area.

WEEK 1

Participants took photographs of the local area using camera on phones and devices. They discovered statues and local green areas as well a local architecture and signage.

WEEK 2

Particpants responded to the photography of the previous weeks with a collage.

WEEK 3

Particpants created painted images in response to photography of the local area. Our youngest participant was just toddling. Parents discussed the issues of having a child in lockdown and how isolating it could be.