3
A City Made By People | Issue 3 ISSN 2468-4732 Published in Amsterdam, June 2018 Founder & Publisher Robin Cox Design Claudia de Haas Illustrations Emmy-Koos Meijer Editors Robyn Collinge Sarah Picolet Emma Goodman Stephanie Adams Cover photography / Art Direction
Let’s make our cities more livable together
Kevin Rijnders
We love to share our collective intention with others and are always open to collaborating on
Cover model
great projects with different brands and cities.
Serano Pinas / Urban Heroes
Let’s connect!
City Captains
Become a Founding Friend
Kayla Holderbein (Stockholm)
Interested in becoming part of our
Marta Aguilar (Madrid)
print journal as a Founding Friend?
Adriana Spulber (Bucharest)
Please get in touch!
Charlotte Sabouret (Copenhagen) Stephanie Adams (London)
Become a stockist
Craig A. Taylor (Manchester)
Our stories around livability in cities
Bemi Hammond (Paris)
need to travel the globe. We’re therefore
Melissa Gagné (Vancouver)
seeking great places to be sold in.
Lindsey Potter (Seattle)
Interested in distributing the A City Made
Touly Phiachantharath (Chicago)
By People journal? Please drop us a line!
Rita Farmer & Waqar Ahmad (Minneapolis) Lesley Cheung (Hong Kong)
Contact
Taiga Kato (Tokyo)
knockknock@acitymadebypeople.com
Netta Justice (Melbourne) All rights reserved. Please get in touch Printer
with us first if you want to use any part of
Printing House KOPA, Kaunas, Lithuania
the journal for commercial purposes.
Kevin Rijnders
1 2 3 4
See Meet Create Progress
Nadine van der Wielen
WELCOME
We support & celebrate those who make our cities more livable A new format, a fun cover, an overall fresher look, slightly more affordable, lighter, and easier to take with you when strolling through town.
Let’s thrive through inclusivity & connection
Our renewed position has inspired the editorial
With Issue 1 and 2, we noticed that we created
briefing of Issue 3. Four focused chapters with
something really nice. Due to the pricing however,
a total of 15 cities, sharing insights and local
it wasn’t as accessible to everyone as we had
knowledge around livability.
hoped. A City Made By People lives and thrives on inclusivity and we felt responsible for changing
The
a few things, so our newest issue can be read by
Chicago, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, London,
cities
include
Amsterdam,
Bucharest,
more citizens across different parts of the world.
Madrid, Manchester, Melbourne, Minneapolis, Paris, Seattle, Stockholm, Tokyo and Vancouver.
We’re still the same bunch of people, with an unchanged collective intention and drive, showing
A huge thanks to all the correspondents, photo
how our cities develop and progress by the people
graphers, and the A City Made By People crew for
that are shaping them every single day. And since
bringing this issue to life. It really has become a
last year, this international network has doubled
very special publication. You know who you are!
in size, with even more cities and correspondents, and an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm.
We hope this journal inspires you to create a positive impact in your own city.
The focus on livability in cities Besides producing this annual print journal,
Cheers
running an online magazine, and hosting local
Robin Cox
speaker events, we added Made By People Lab to
City Enthusiast Officer (CEO)
the core of our activities. A creative agency with the
rc@acitymadebypeople.com
mission to make our cities more livable by adding a creative lens to urban issues and solving them through connecting citizens, brands and cities.
From A to B by Rail
@stockholm_madebypeople
#acitymadebypeople
@amsterdam_madebypeople
@vancouver_madebypeople
@chicago_madebypeople
@copenhagen_madebypeople
@minneapolis_madebypeople
@melbourne_madebypeople
@hongkong_madebypeople
CHAPTER 1
What We See Cities are rich with sights that fascinate us: from gleeful green spaces to magnificent museums, from historical buildings to changing neighborhoods. Our cities are a stroller’s paradise, with plenty to keep us entertained. What do you see in your city?
MADRID
Through the Green Lens: A Botanical Guide to Madrid VANCOUVER
A Developing Neighborhood: Is this the (West) End? PARIS
Modernist Architecture of Le Corbusier: Paris City Guide CHICAGO
99th & Walden: Revival of Beverly on the South Side of Chicago
WHAT WE SEE
Through the Green Lens: A Botanical Guide to Madrid Whether it’s a meal at a green restaurant, a stroll through a city garden or simply stopping to smell the roses at a local florist, there’s no shortage of greenery in the Spanish capital. Madrid correspondents, Veronica and Leticia, round up the top spots that offer a refreshing and sustainable approach to city living. Words by VERÓNICA MARTÍN & LETICIA BARBEITO Pictures by PATRICIA CABEZA
Just like a desert oasis, Madrid is full of places
neighborhood—the greengrocers across the street,
one can escape to for refreshment. From hostels
the florist on the corner and the baker on the next
powered by renewable energy to markets tackling
block—to create a community based on proximity.
food waste, here we present a green guide to
We’d happily spend half a day here.
Madrid for those who want to escape the chaotic
Il Tavolo Verde
bustle of urban life.
Concerned about unhealthy food habits and with
Cacto-Cacto
a background in design, Martina and Leo created
Cacti are the coolest. In fact, we’d go as far as
Il Tavolo Verde to provide a space for customers
saying there are few interior spaces that can’t be
to eat organic, sustainable food while shopping
improved by our stylish, prickly friends. And now
for antiques. The café and store was opened
cacti have their own home in Madrid. Located in
in 2013 on Villalar St. When customers walk in
Fernando VI, Cacto-Cacto is a shop exclusively
they find beautiful Scandinavian antiques and
dedicated
succulents.
forgotten objects that create, as the owners say,
Together with its sister flower store, Margarita
to
these
marvellous
“[a] nostalgic experience… memory of forms,
se llama mi amor, Cacto-Cacto has created an
tastes and smells that take us to a better world.”
irresistible forest that entices all who pass by.
Needless to say, Il Tavolo Verde isn’t your typical salad spot.
Pum Pum Café Located in the district of Lavapiés, Pum Pum Café
The Hat
offers an organic vegetarian menu and superb
There’s a local saying, “from Madrid to the sky,”
coffee—the quality of which is not easily found
because the city’s heavens are so iconic. From
in Madrid. It was converted from a butcher’s
its intense blue sunny days to the purple sunsets
shop into what is now a vegetarian haven by two
of summer, a visit to the capital is not complete
Argentinian brothers. The idea was to open a cafe
without rising to one of Madrid’s secret terraces
that would organically interact with the whole
to enjoy the views. But not just any secret terrace.
MADRID
Hermosilla’s secret patio
Botanical garden
Pum Pum CafĂŠ
Honest Gardens
MADRID
Il Tavolo Verde
The Hat
WHAT WE SEE
Cacto-Cacto
“Cities are like people; cities smell distinct, look distinct and regard themselves distinctly. And yet, there are certain universals.” You can enjoy the best sunsets and breathtaking
organic, the founders were mindful to not use
views of Madrid’s red roofs from The Hat, a hostel
varnishes, silicones or PVC and instead installed
in the middle of the old town centre. In addition
solar panels and a hanging garden to purify the
to its spectacular views, the hostel is the first in
air. Alongside this, El Huerto de Lucas promotes
Madrid to use biomass as a source of energy. With
sustainable living through regular expositions and
its classic architectural bones and hip furnishings,
workshops, educating citizens on subjects such as
The Hat is a perfect place to unwind, surround
household waste reduction.
yourself with vegetation in the open air and, of
Botanical garden
course, enjoy a cocktail.
Cities are like people; cities smell distinct, look
Hermosilla’s secret patio
distinct and regard themselves distinctly. And yet,
This magical garden is a refuge in the middle of
there are certain universals. Even in the smallest
urban chaos. It’s located in Hermosilla 26’s inner
town, it is easy to find a space reserved for a botanical
patio, a temple of design and fashion shopping. After
garden. Each one is different in its organization or
an unfortunate fire in 2014, Hermosilla 26 reopened
form, but it’s always green—in all its shades. And
to the delight of beauty lovers. This journey of
in the end, the beauty is that it shows the stunning
renewal makes us love this place even more and we
beauty of nature. In the case of Madrid, a visit to the
highly recommend visiting it at least once.
botanical garden is almost obligatory.
El Huerto de Lucas
As the Spanish say, there are colors for every taste.
Welcome to one of the most green, environmen
So swing by any of these lush, botanical hotspots
tally conscious places in Madrid. El Huerto de
for an injection of greenery during your next visit
Lucas is an organic food market and restaurant
to Madrid. ¢
located in Chueca. But it’s not just the food that’s
MADRID
El Huerto de Lucas
WHAT WE SEE
A Developing Neighborhood: Is this the (West) End? What does the future hold for a neighborhood where development notices continue to pop up and cranes seem to populate every corner? We spoke to the residents of Vancouver’s charming West End, who have seen their neighborhood change firsthand. Words by MELISSA GAGNÉ Pictures by OLIVIA SARI-GOERLACH
VANCOUVER
WHAT WE SEE
Vancouver’s West End is perfectly situated.
Most people rent in the West End, but condos
Surrounded by beaches, this residential neighbor
and development notices have been popping up
hood offers a gradual transition from a classic
everywhere, taking down the mom and pop shops
downtown core to the vast city forest that is Stanley
that once characterized the area. As West Enders
Park. Everybody walks in the West End. The rest
do, we walked the streets to ask some of its older
of the city must pass through its quiet streets to
residents how they feel about the rebuilding and
reach prime picnic spots, stunning sunsets and a
its changing effect on their neighborhood.
diverse array of cuisines from around the world. Homes with character provide a calming sense
Ambrose Lo
of place amongst tree-lined streets and it’s rare to
Hailing from Hong Kong, Ambrose moved to
see the park benches that are scattered through
Vancouver almost 30 years ago and has been a
the neighborhood go unused. Every spring, these
resident in the West End for five years. “This is the
same trees bloom in a colorful palette of pink, red,
only area I want to live in. Not even downtown.
and white, symbolizing the end of the rainy season
It’s one of the few genuine neighborhoods—very
and the beginning of longer days, local markets
diverse and extremely welcoming. It’s what the
and summer festivals. Highly inclusive, this is
planners call the big P: Proximity.” As he sketches
where Vancouver’s LGBT population congregates,
the character homes that have come to define
and where many elderly residents find themselves
this neighborhood, he goes on, “I’m not against
at home.
development per say, but if it hurts the majority,
Ambrose Lo
VANCOUVER
Gladys Bevan and Mary Powell
WHAT WE SEE
“How do the young people get going in Vancouver? They don’t! I think it’s going to become a social problem if we don’t help the young people more than what we are.” something’s wrong… I mean, housing is always a
He has noticed that whenever there has been
problem around the world and Vancouver is just
turmoil or conflict in the world, waves of new
repeating and copying the Hong Kong model. When
people arrive in the West End, including the
I came here there was no pre-sale—it didn’t exist.”
many Syrian refugees that were housed nearby in the three story walk ups that are now either
Gladys Bevan and Mary Powell
gone or being torn down. “Up until recently, I
Seated on a bench, this is the park where Gladys
saw that all of the changes were positive [but
and Mary met three years ago. “You know, [the
now] all those people that lived in walk ups,
West End] hadn’t really changed much in the
they’re being evicted. They’re being replaced by
last 13 years [that I’ve lived here] but now it has,”
towers. Everywhere.”
Gladys explains. When asked how they feel about these changes Gladys tells me, “Well, hopefully
In addition to losing its ability to house those
we’ll have a positive influence on [new residents]
arriving from situations of global conflict, David
because this is a really different neighborhood.
says these new builds aren’t affordable for the
It’s full of people that talk to each other and their
middle income and elderly residents who have
dogs. We know every dog by name—hardly ever
called the neighborhood home for years, “It’s
know the people’s names. We don’t want to see it
just happening too quickly. A lot of [places] are
change a whole lot.” Mary adds, “And we integrate
being bought by offshore money so they’re not
the people into [the neighborhood]. We accept
part of the community. The West End was always
them and welcome them.” Despite this welcoming
a community but now people are just snapping up
nature, Mary says, there is a very real affordability
apartments and then renting them out.”
problem in the West End: “I had a house in the suburbs and I sold it to move down here—that’s
In speaking to these residents, one thing is
the only way I would have been able to do it.
certain—they are open to change as long as
How do the young people get going in Vancouver?
it benefits the people who actually live in the
They don’t! I think it’s going to become a social
neighborhood. People will continue to walk the
problem if we don’t help the young people more
tree-lined streets to reach the beach and the city’s
than what we are.”
lungs, but if the promised luxury of investment properties continues to push people out, will
David O’Donnell
people still know each other’s dogs by name? The
David has lived for 48 years in what is now a
West End has and will continue to evolve for years
heritage home preserved and maintained by its
to come, but only time will tell how its character
tenants. As a long term resident he has witnessed
and spirit live on. ¢
how the West End has evolved over time.
VANCOUVER
David O’Donnell
WHAT WE SEE
Modernist Architecture of Le Corbusier: Paris City Guide Paris is not just grand facades, Haussmannian buildings and world-renowned museums—the world of modernist architecture has also left its mark on the city. Follow along as we uncover the work and legacy of Le Corbusier. Words & Illustrations by SONJA BAJIC
Modern architecture as we know it wouldn't be
walking down the streets of Paris—from Republique
the same without influential architect and urban
to Notre Dame, dreaming of his Plan Voisin for 18,
planner, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, also
yes 18, immense skyscrapers in the Marais area.
known as Le Corbusier.
Our architectural tour of this city would be very different if his plan had ever come to fruition, but
Le Corbusier is well known for defining the five
it stayed a dream. Instead, he designed villas and
principles of modern architecture: an open plan
public buildings, which can still be spotted across
layout, horizontal strip windows, a building
Paris and used to retrace his steps.
elevated on pillars, a roof terrace and free design such as concrete. Since its creation in 1927, this
Starting in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and heading east
ethos has become a signature characteristic of
Villa Cook is a great example of Le Corbusier's
contemporary design and construction.
purist facade and modernist style. It was built
of the façade—all using modern materials
in 1926 as part of a series of houses created for From New York to India, Le Corbusier constructed
prominent Americans whose destinies were
his designs with the belief that he was creating a
connected to Paris, including Michael Stein
world for the people of tomorrow while spending
(Gertrude Stein’s brother), sculptor Lipchitz and
most of his life in Paris. I sometimes imagine him
journalist William Edward Cook.
“Le Corbusier is well known for defining the five principles of modern architecture: an open plan layout, horizontal strip windows, a building elevated on pillars, a roof terrace and free design of the façade.” PARIS
Villa la Roche
Villa Jeanneret
Villa Ozenfant
Next, check out the Molitor building. Home to Le
you can see the model of his apartment of la Cité
Corbusier, it was the first apartment block in Paris
Radieuse de Marseille.
to have glazed facades and was built over three years using three different types of glass. The
Through the 15th arrondissement to the 14th
architect lived there for 31 years and it’s possible
The first villa to be built by Le Corbusier in
to visit the apartment today (you’ll need to make a
Paris is across the Parc Montsouris in the 14th
reservation though). Molitor became a UNESCO
arrondissement, known as Villa Ozenfant. It
world heritage building in 2016, together with
was made for Amédée Ozenfant, Le Corbusier’s
sixteen of Le Corbusier’s other buildings.
collaborator
on
L’Esprit
Nouveau—a
journal
published between 1920 and 1925. The villa was both Villa la Roche and Villa Jeanneret are about a
a studio and a home for the cubist French painter.
twenty minute walk from Molitor. Built between
Sadly, its original form was altered in 1946 and
1923 and 1925, they are some of the first villas
is now under the protection of the state from any
to
further renovation. It’s still definitely worth the trip!
demonstrate
all
five
principles
of
Le
Corbusier’s modern architecture. Today Villa Jeanneret is the site of the Le Corbusier foundation
From Villa Ozenfant, you can take a walk to
and next to it sits a museum displaying the world's
see the Pavillon Suisse at Cité Internationale
largest collection of Le Corbusier drawings,
Universitaire—a residence for international stu
studies and plans.
dents in Paris. Each building of the residence is built for a different nation, usually by an architect
Before leaving the west of Paris, if you want to
selected by that nation. In 1930, Switzerland
experience an apartment built for Modulor—Le
insisted that Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanerret be
Corbusier’s blueprint of dimensions of an average
the architects for Pavillon Suisse. Their ‘machine
man—be sure to head northwest to la Cité de
for living’ followed the five principles of modernist
l’Architecture et Patrimoine at Trocadéro. There
architecture and, although on a very limited
Molitor building
Pavillon Suisse
PARIS
Maison Planeix
Villa Savoye
budget, they managed to incorporate dry-wall construction and acoustic separation—very new technologies at the time. Its composition appears to float and looks divine surrounded by the greenery. Around the corner, in the same assembly of national pavilions, check out Maison du Bresil— the Brazilian residence designed by Le Corbusier alongside Lúcio Costa. Finished in 1957, the
Cité de l’Architecture
“From New York to India, Le Corbusier constructed his designs with the belief that he was creating a world for the people of tomorrow.”
building is a great example of Le Corbusier’s high-density residential design and his use of raw
du Salut. Built as a shelter for more than 500
materials and polychrome colors.
homeless people, it was Le Corbusier’s chance to practise his basic rules on a big scale. It stands on
Finishing off at the 13th arrondissement
pillars, which open up the building’s impressive
As the afternoon turns golden, head towards the
glass facade, and was the first air-conditioned
Pont National to see one of the rare Le Corbusier
building in Paris.
projects built between two walls of neighboring houses, Maison Planeix. This cubist villa with
Last up, for one of the most perfect examples of
pure geometric forms and almost symmetrical
the five modernist principles, jump on a train to
bow-windows follows four out of five of Le
Villa Savoye—located about an hour away from
Corbusier principles of architecture.
central Paris. Carefully designed in response to the orientation of the sun and with nature openly
Some 15 minutes away stands another of Le
invited in, this villa is a great place to wrap up your
Corbusier’s projects and another collective
tour of the work of this iconic architect. ¢
building in Paris—la Cité-refuge de l’Armée
sonjabajic.com @sonjabajic
Maison du Bresil
La Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut
PARIS
WHAT WE SEE
99th & Walden: Revival of Beverly on the South Side of Chicago Coffee shops and schools. Pop-ups and a Sunday farmers market. Retail therapy. Diversity, arts and culture are all a train ride away from downtown Chicago in Beverly. Local businesses and creatives on the strip have formed the Walden Collective to keep growing their roots in the neighborhood and revive Beverly as a place to live, play and connect. Words by TOULY PHIACHANTHARATH & IVY TAC Pictures by IVY TAC
Beverly is so far south it’s often forgotten by city
serves as a community center utilized for pop-ups,
media. Tucked away behind the tracks on 99th
resident artist studios and even yoga for children.
and Walden, this neighborhood straddling urban
Her positive energy is infectious, as is her passion
and suburban Chicago is a thriving community of
for encouraging others to help build Beverly.
family and female owned businesses.
Retail therapy Beauty and creativity
Megan was also the inspiration and push for Maura
First on the scene was Tranquility Salon Company,
Corrine, one of her clients, to open a business on
a hair salon owned and operated by sisters Katie
99th and Walden in early 2017.
Schickel Barba and Megan Barba since 2007. “You could say that I am the heart of the salon and
“Owning my own boutique was always a pipe
Megan is the soul,” says Katie, “and all you need
dream,” says Maura, “I worked in retail for years,
to succeed in this world is a little heart and soul.”
moved around and then after having kids I moved back to Beverly where I grew up. Megan from
After a decade of growth, they now occupy the
Tranquility helped push me off that cliff and that’s
stand-alone building directly across the street
how CAPSULE started.”
from their original location which they have converted into Joplin Marley Studios.
Maura spent the last decade helping women build more effortless wardrobes based on the European
Joplin Marley Studios is Megan and Katie’s
idea of a capsule wardrobe, which is all about
co-creative space, which Megan describes as a
quality versus quantity. It’s made of a limited
space “for unlimited inspiration, alignment and
amount of items that mix and match together and
connection—intended for anyone who wishes
are very versatile. “No matter what color, age or
to become their most elevated self.” The space
size, almost every woman who I’ve helped in the
CHICAGO
HOOFDSTUK
CAPSULE
many years said she has a closet full of clothes and
B-Sides Coffee & Tea and now both she and
nothing to wear. My goal was to help people be
Kevin can be found at the railside cafe serving
more thoughtful about what they’re buying and I
coffee as a family.
want it to work in many aspects of their lifestyle,” says Maura. CAPSULE is now a beautiful
The impact of B-Sides and the other new busi
community destination bringing life to Beverly.
nesses is palpable. They are proudly keeping green by donating their brewed coffee grounds to be
On her place in the community, Maura explains,
used as compost for local residents and community
“We want Beverly to have healthy progress. All
gardens. As O’Malley says, “The community down
of the business owners here on Walden St have
here feeds off each other and the transition of the
the same approach. We all grew up here, we have
businesses on this strip has turned it into a more
families and we want things that are approachable
liveable and sustainable place.”
as a young family.”
Diverse hub of culture and creativity Coffee and records
Beverly is also home to the Beverly Arts Center
Around the same time that Maura was opening her
(BAC), one of Chicago’s premier arts destinations.
business, Karen and Kevin O’Malley moved back
This
to Beverly to raise a family. Commuting to and
a community through diverse, quality arts
from their day jobs, they noticed the lack of coffee
programming, education and entertainment for all
shops near the train station. Karen’s dream was to
ages and levels. Exhibition spaces, music and dance
own her own business, allowing her to spend more
studios, a theater and an art gallery bring together
time with her family and to be a part of a growing
the neighborhood as well as invite outsiders to
community. Seeing an opportunity for a local coffee
contribute themselves. BAC and the Beverly
shop in a high traffic area, they decided to pursue
Arts Alliance host an annual Beverly Art Walk in
Karen’s dream. Within a year she spearheaded
autumn, matching local artists with businesses to
CHICAGO
multifaceted
organization
is
building
WHAT WE SEE
showcase their works of art, music and food. The most recent edition matched artist Kevin Demski with the O’Malley’s of B-Sides Coffee and Tea. Kevin Demski, owner of Sixtyfour Creative, has helped many Beverly businesses develop and thrive. He has done the branding for many local businesses, and is now an artist in residence at B-Sides, Open Outcry Brewing and Joplin Marley Studios. Kevin sees cultivating relationships with local business owners as key to growing a tight community and helping Beverly build itself up, saying, “If you can make a living doing what you love in Chicago you can make it anywhere. We have the strongest population with the toughest backbone so you have to hustle to make it here.”
Joplin Marley Studios
The Walden Collective On the far south side of Chicago, Beverly is rarely mentioned in the media with exception of the south side parade during St. Patrick’s day and the Original Rainbow Cone—a Chicago landmark. The Beverly revival on 99th & Walden is the result of people who are passionate about creating and building a thriving, livable and supportive community. Locals here encourage new ideas while building relationships with each other, offering support to help their neighborhood community thrive. The Walden Collective is determined to be a beacon for entrepreneurs and artists, creating jobs and supporting the local community. Focusing on livability, the citizens of Beverly are building a community that is accessible, sustainable and continues to grow. ¢
CHICAGO
Sixtyfour Creative
CHAPTER 2
Who We Meet From the everyday to the extraordinary, who amongst our citizens make a difference in our urban environments? Who impacts, explores and influences the changes we see? Our correspondents go out to meet and celebrate the locals in our cities who are admired by their community and who have a voice for change.
MINNEAPOLIS
It’s a Glam Doll World TOKYO
The Ancient Art of Kimono Tailoring with Mitsuhiro Hiragi LONDON
Getting Reel with Corrina Antrobus of the Bechdel Test Fest SEATTLE
Riding the Seattle Sound Waves with Hardly Art
WHO WE MEET
It’s a Glam Doll World City correspondents, Waqar and Rita, recently had the opportunity to meet the two female powerhouses behind Minneapolis’ favorite donut shop: Glam Doll Donuts. Their story is one of friendship, hip-hop, vintage style and, of course, baked goods. Words by WAQAR AHMAD & RITA FARMER Pictures by RITA FARMER
What do you get when you mix two lifelong friends
an enlightening trip to the Pacific northwest where
with mutual interests in music, fashion, baking, all
they discovered the world of gourmet donuts, at a
things retro and a dash of glitter? Minneapolis’
time when cupcakes were most definitely on their
darling bakery: Glam Doll Donuts.
way out. They returned home determined to provide an answer to the pressing question on their minds:
When you walk into Glam Doll, one of the
“How is there not a donut shop in Minneapolis?!”
first things you see is the hot pink donut boxes emblazoned with pin-up girls and the bakery’s
Once they decided to open their own shop, the
logo. These boxes have become the Tiffany’s of
ideas started flooding in and the pair got to work,
donuts in Minneapolis, emblematic of the style,
compromising both their sleep and social lives.
femininity, flavor and pizzazz of this instantly
They sought help on their business plan from
iconic shop—owned and operated by two badass
friends at local hip-hop record label, Rhymesayers,
women, Arwyn Birch and Teresa Fox.
where Teresa had interned years before. Also using their combined 18 years experience in the
We sat down with these ladies—over donuts and
restaurant industry, Teresa’s love of baking and
coffee, of course—on a recent spring morning
Arwyn’s eye for style. Their name—representing
to discuss their entrepreneurial journey from
a love of retro fashion and overt femininity—was
waitressing to being crowned Donut Queens of
conceived during a family weekend in a cabin up
Minneapolis. The duo had a lot to talk about, with
north. In other words, they worked their butts off
many recent milestones under their belts: their
to make their dream a reality.
five-year anniversary, the opening of their second shop in December 2017, and even reaching new
Glam Doll Donuts opened its doors on the aptly
follower heights on Instagram.
named Eat Street in south Minneapolis a little over one year later.
Like most great things in life, the idea for Glam Doll Donuts came to Arwyn and Teresa in the form of a holy-shit-we-have-to-drop-everything-and-pursuethis type of revelation. After having tried to make a go of it in Los Angeles—twice—Arwyn and Teresa took
“I’m not perfect; I’m Glam Doll.”
MINNEAPOLIS
WHO WE MEET
“Arwyn and Teresa don’t see themselves as two female business owners who operate within a world dominated by men—rather, they have created their own [dream] world.”
Spend any time with this enthusiastic duo and you’ll soon realize how much of Glam Doll Donuts really is Arwyn and Teresa—the décor, the menu, the music, the overall vibe, they all work together to tell you a story about the two friends. Teresa in her fabulous Chanel combat boots and Arwyn sporting a vintage dress and perfectly coiffed hair, look right at home among the sparkly pink vinyl couch and gold light fixtures at their northeast shop on the morning of the interview. Needlepoint art on the walls depict their beloved staff—many of whom have been with them since day one—plus the bathroom wallpaper is made from old snapshot photos Teresa sourced from her grandmother. Every corner of the shop, while both highly personal and authentic, is also meticulously styled for Instagram-worthy moments. The successful use of Instagram as a tool to promote their business is no accident. Teresa personally oversees the company’s account, having curated and nurtured it from day one. She has built up a large following and is constantly
Since its opening, Glam Doll has consistently
looking for new ways to make an impact through
set itself apart not just by making delicious
social media.
donuts, but by establishing a strong presence in the thriving Minneapolis creative community.
The ladies are also aware of their social
Glam Doll’s early success came, in part, by way
responsibilities, giving back to the community
of their connections to the city’s music scene.
that has nurtured their passion so enthusiastically.
The shop has always made specialized donuts for
Glam Doll has teamed up with Youthlink, a
noteworthy events and now, thanks to help from
Minneapolis homeless shelter for the youth. In
Rhymesayers, it delivers a box of custom donuts to
addition to monetary contributions (50% of their
every performer who plays at iconic Minneapolis
recent fifth anniversary celebration proceeds
music venue, First Avenue. This means the pair
went to the cause), they send boxes of donuts to
are making donuts for some of the hottest musical
their downtown facility. Fraser Minnesota, an
acts in the country, many of whom share photos
organization that primarily serves children and
of these spectacular, personalized creations on
adults with autism is another beneficiary of Glam
their own social media channels. Through this
Doll donuts.
partnership with First Avenue, Arwyn and Teresa have also had the opportunity to hang out with
Arwyn and Teresa don’t see themselves as two
some of their own musical idols, including Wayne
female business owners who operate in a world
Coyne of the Flaming Lips and one of Teresa’s
dominated by men—rather, they have created
personal favorites, 2 Chainz.
their own [dream] world. And it’s one in which
MINNEAPOLIS
WHO WE MEET
“...the décor, the menu, the music, the overall vibe, they all work together to tell you a story about the two friends.” they unapologetically dictate their terms. They
They look forward to continued collaborations
also attract talented employees who want to be a
and partnerships with other Minneapolis creative
part of this world. For them, coming to work every
crews, such as the newly-opened, all-femme
day is like “working in our own version of the
workspace, The Coven. And, in a genius business
movie Empire Records.”
move, the two are making plans in anticipation of the legalization of recreational marijuana in
So what’s next for the amazing Glam Doll world
Minnesota by looking ahead to the world of edibles.
and the women who have created it? Recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam and Ireland,
Arwyn and Teresa describe Minneapolis as a
Arwyn and Teresa brought back many ideas. While
uniquely supportive bubble that fosters creativity
their dream of having their own star on the famous
among its residents. And Minneapolis—whose
First Avenue wall may not have materialized yet
residents flock to Glam Doll in droves—is certainly
(for now, Teresa’s Glam Doll star tattoo will have
lucky the pair didn’t decide to stay in L.A. Our city
to suffice), you can expect to see some exciting
is a little bit sweeter, a little bit cooler and a whole
changes coming up. Think new seasonal menus,
lot more glam because Arwyn and Teresa chose to
in-store events and a strong presence at this
build their dream world here. ¢
summer’s festival circuit. Glam Doll will be at
instagram.com/glamdolldonuts glamdolldonuts.com
Rhymesayer’s hip-hop fest, Soundset, for the first time this year, making custom donuts for the acts (obviously) and having a booth on-site.
MINNEAPOLIS
WHO WE MEET
The Ancient Art of Kimono Tailoring Mitsuhiro Hiragi Hiding away in the outskirts of Tokyo is a small building housing some of the city’s most talented tailors. Using a technique that has been around almost 400 years, these artisans are well known for their handmade kimonos. Meet Mitsuhiro Hiragi, who’s combining traditional and advanced techniques to make sure his family’s kimono business lives on. Words by MANA WILSON Pictures by TAIGA KATO
Even after centuries, kimonos still fascinate
it was also kind of natural that I would take over
people with their intricate patterns and rich,
the family business.
cultural history. However, people rarely realize handful of specialists with processes that include
Does that mean you learned how to sew from your parents?
spinning, dyeing, weaving and perhaps the most
I guess I could’ve just started at home, but my
humble of all, sewing.
parents wanted me to get training from other
that the making of these garments relies on a
professionals, so I lived with and trained under Although I wear a kimono from time to time, I’ve
professional kimono tailor Mr. Kusakawa for five
never seen the work that goes into making one,
years. He was a really strict teacher, I had to keep
especially the sewing. While classes and workshops
sewing day and night, but he treated me as a profes
often offer an insight into the more lavish processes
sional from the minute I finished my training. That
such as embellishment and design, it’s rare to see
was 30 years ago and now he and I are really close.
kimono tailoring firsthand. I decided to meet with
I learned a lot during my time with Mr. Kusakawa
Mitsuhiro Hiragi, a man who has been sewing
then I went back to my home after those five years.
kimonos for 30 years, to find out more.
I see that you use your foot to hold the cloth in place when you sew, how does that work? Is it a traditional method?
It’s so exciting to meet you Mitsuhiro, I have a lot of questions about the traditional art of kimono sewing. First of all, how did you become a kimono tailor?
Yes, this is how we do it here. This is called ‘otokojitatem,’ which means man-tailoring. It doesn’t
Well my parents are tailors, so I grew up watching
mean when men sew kimonos, rather it refers to
them sew kimonos all day at home. I also like
the way we sit cross-legged like this with bare feet,
things that require precision, like putting together
and hold the cloth with our toes. It’s called ‘otoko-
plastic models. Besides that I’m the oldest son, so
jitate’ when women sew this way too.
TOKYO
WHO WE MEET
It’s also called ‘Tokyo-jitate’ (Tokyo-style tailor
and posting on Facebook. One of my friends
ing) because it was developed here in Tokyo.
advised me to keep posting for at least three months
Tailors in other areas use a little tool called
and it really changed my world. I kept posting and
‘kukedai’ to hold the cloth, but I guess people in
people began to contact me through the website. I
Tokyo are impatient—using our feet is quicker and
got to know and connect with other people who like
easier. It’s a hard technique to master but now that
kimonos and it really motivated me.
I’m used to it, it’s easier for me to use my feet. Now, we get the majority of our orders directly
Do you know why this technique is specific to Tokyo?
through our website. I really like that I can ask
It is said to be because of ‘Sankin koutai’, an
look good for them. It means I have to stay on top
administrative system in the Edo Period around
of current fashion and trends though.
customers what they want and discuss what will
the 19th century. Under this system, provincial lords were ordered to relocate to the capital city of Edo every other year.
Do you have any examples of kimonos you’ve custom made for people? One customer brought me this pretty cloth of
All the lords started to have their clothes made
‘Nagajuban,’ which is something we wear under
in the trendy capital while they were stationed
a kimono. He wanted me to make a kimono with
there. Since there was a demand for high-quality
the cloth inside of it, but look at this pattern, it’s
kimonos for the lords, more tailors came to Edo
so gorgeous, isn’t it? It has Mt. Fuji, hawks and
and developed their own skills.
eggplants—which are famous for good fortune in Japan. I thought it would be a shame to completely
Because of this, ‘Tokyo-jitate’ is famous for its
hide the pattern inside, so I sewed it by the foot,
accuracy. The outer materials and lining are
that way people can see it when the kimono
fastened together into one piece, the stitches are
flutters in the wind.
straight and the corners are pointed.
Do you see a difference from when you first started out to the way you work today? The kimono industry is divided into a lot of processes and my family specializes in sewing. Everyday we get orders from shops that sell kimonos specifying the number, style and type of kimono to make. This is the traditional way of ordering that we’ve been doing for hundreds of years. After a few years though, I actually got a little bored of this. I like communicating with people as much as I like making kimonos, but I didn’t have the chance to get to know my customers because ordering was getting in the way.
What did you do to change that? First I made our website and started writing blogs
“Tailors in other areas use a little tool called 'kukedai' to hold the cloth, but I guess people in Tokyo are impatient— using our feet is quicker and easier.”
TOKYO
WHO WE MEET
“Most kimono making classes are kind of strict or difficult, but people who read my blog already know that I’m not that kind of person.” How many orders do you usually get?
What do you do on your days off?
Probably around 30 orders every month. Of
It’s rare that I have days off, but I’m currently
course I can’t do it all by myself, but I can usually
taking tea ceremony lessons. It’s partially my work
make one kimono every two days. There are
because I’m always with people who like to wear
also not many tailors who are good at making
kimonos, you know? In the beginning I joined
‘hakama’ (a divided or pleated skirt worn
the lessons to promote my business and get more
over a kimono, mostly for men on ceremonial
orders from them, but now I take some students
occasions), and I enjoy making them. That’s why
from my kimono making class there and it’s fun
a lot people, from all over Japan, will contact me
so I don’t really want to stop.
to get their hakama. I sometimes make kimonos for myself or my
What else has the internet been able to open up for you?
family when I have time. My daughter had a
I started teaching a kimono making class four
(a special kind of kimono for the ceremony) for
years ago. I enjoy talking with people who like
her from a cloth we chose together.
coming-of-age ceremony so I made a ‘furisode’
kimonos since I haven’t had the chance to talk to class mostly through the internet. Most kimono
And finally, how would you like to see your business grow in the future?
making classes are kind of strict or difficult, but
I want people to know more about kimonos and
people who read my blog already know that I’m
the tailors who make them. As you can see, it’s a
not that kind of person. Most of them want to learn
very traditional and interesting art—having a place
how to fix their own kimono but there’s also, for
like a showroom is my dream. I imagine it like a
example, a father who is trying to make a kimono
bakery where people can see us working through
for his daughter in my class at the moment.
the window. I would probably stop making and go
customers before. The students find out about my
out to talk to people though... One of the best things about the class is that I can learn how the world works. I’ve been working
Strict, difficult, stubborn. The image of craftsman
inside this house for decades and didn’t really
ship I had in my mind was completely destroyed
know how companies worked or what young
the second I met Mr. Hiragi. He loves to talk and
people were thinking about. It’s really fun to
his passion for human connection is reflected in
listen to the girls talking about their boyfriends
his growing business and enthusiastic clientele.
in the class. I actually don’t even know if they’re
Next time I need a kimono, I know exactly where
coming to learn about making kimonos or to
I’ll go. ¢
gossip with me!
facebook.com/mituhiro.hiiragi TOKYO
WHO WE MEET
Getting Reel with Corrina Antrobus of the Bechdel Test Fest Meet the powerhouse who started a film festival celebrating women. Some say 2018 is the Year of Women, but Corrina’s helping usher in an age of equity. Words & Pictures by STEPHANIE ADAMS
LONDON
WHO WE MEET
The Bechdel test, also known as the Bechdel-
cinemas. Growing up in Hackney, there was only
Wallace test, was developed by Beth Bechdel
the Rio. It’s a great cinema I still love to go to, but
and Liz Wallace in 1985. To pass the test, a work
it was the only one. Nowadays we have Hackney
of fiction has to include at least two women who
Picturehouse, we have the Institute of Light,
speak to each other about something other than
Castle Cinema and I’m hearing rumblings of so
a man. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the
many more popping up—so I’m hoping to work
test in 2014, London-based Corrina Antrobus
with them too.
launched the Bechdel Test Fest to celebrate
regularly covered by The Guardian, BBC and
Besides positively representing women, how are you choosing the films that are shown at the festival?
The Independent, among others, and recently
We have to like the films. And since the Bechdel
garnered Corrina a Woman and Hollywood
test is fundamentally about conversations with
Trailblazer Award.
women, we want to be able to have a conversation
the work of women in film. Since then it has grown into an ongoing film festival that’s
about the film after the screening. This means it has Corrina’s Bechdel Test Fest is organized and
to evoke themes that we can discuss afterwards.
attended by Londoners, but she doesn’t see it as a
We have the directors or the talent come in and
“London only” event. Celebrating women in film
then we play with the form of a Q&A... We look at
publicly can be done in any community, anywhere
how we can engage the audience and make people
in the world. Putting together such a festival is about
feel comfortable about the experience.
loving film, women and community. Who says a little escapism can’t move the conversation forward?
What kind of things do you do to make people feel comfortable?
I recently spoke with Corrina about how she
There’s no big stage or microphone and
makes the festival happen and how it’s bringing
we pay attention to the simple things, like
people together across London.
[acknowledging] there’s lots of women in the crowd who don’t often feel comfortable about
Can you tell me about the logistics of putting together the film festival? What’s involved?
speaking up. One of my favorite conversations was after a screening of Mustang. We were all in
Well from the very start, setting it up, you need time. The actual nuts and bolts is just having ideas, enthusiasm and people who will help make it work—getting volunteers, hearing ideas, pooling talents from lots of different people, and then choosing good films and working with good venues.
Tell me about choosing the venues. Most of them look like they are in east London. Is that because it’s where you’re based? It’s easier for me, yes. east London is slowly becoming much more of a hotbed for cinema activity. You’ve got lots more film clubs putting on screenings in clubs and other venues aside from
“There has been a shift. It’s unfortunate that it’s been the result of such a monstrosity of events but there is no going back now…”
LONDON
WHO WE MEET
we could all make eye contact with each other.
How much of your time does Bechdel Test Fest take up these days?
The human interaction of people talking about a
A lot. If I wanted it to, it could literally take up every
shared experience is something I get a real kick
waking hour of my day but I have to be good to
out of achieving.
myself. I know what it’s like to burn out and realize
a big circle and everyone was on the same level,
you don't have infinite energy—things like eating,
Regarding the audience, what are they like and has it changed since you started four years ago?
sleeping and seeing people you love is important.
It really depends on the film. I love when we have an
and it’s not a money making exercise and one has to
abundance of men in the cinema because that’s kind
survive.” But I’m so, so glad I didn’t quit. When we
of the point. We don’t want to be screaming into an
have people saying, “I would never have seen this if
echo chamber, telling other women that we’re good
you hadn’t put it on and I would never have thought
to watch on screen. We know this, but it’s good to
about this in that way if it wasn’t for the Bechdel
have guys in the audience who love it as well.
Test Fest”—that makes me happy... And just seeing
That’s something I had to relearn in the second year when I almost quit. I was like, “I can’t do this,
“Celebrating women in film publicly can be done in any community, anywhere in the world.”
WHO WE MEET
wanting to continue being part of that community,
Do you feel like it’s affecting the programming you’re going to do this year?
it makes me realize that we have to continue.
I don’t know yet. It will affect my day to day job
so many other film collectives come up after us,
because I’m also working for Sundance London. Of
Outside of the film industry, are you seeing a community start to develop?
the main features we’ll show, 58% are female-led
Yeah, absolutely. You’ve got people who exhibit,
the #MeToo movement in industry talks.
and we’re introducing conversations addressing
journalists, but ultimately we’re all under the same umbrella of film. There are people, and I am one
But I also want to make sure Bechdel remains
of them, who will just go to the cinema because
a celebration of female work in film, so I don’t
they love the cinema experience, [and together]
want us to dwell too much on the negative things
you don’t feel so strange that you just like sitting in
that are happening. It’s important to address the
the dark watching a film… especially after the few
work that is being done, but I also want to make
years that we’ve been doing it you get people who
sure we’re using cinema as an escapist tool, as
are like, “Oh, I went to that event this year and that
well as understanding each others narratives,
year.” It’s really nice to have regulars.
backgrounds and stories. I'm not ruling it out, but it’s not the sole agenda.
Right now, we’re in the middle of what feels like a defining moment in film history— particularly for women. How do you view your work in the context of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements?
And finally, what are you most excited about at the moment? Beth [my partner in the Bechdel Test Fest] and I are going to Docfest, which I think is the best
Well, it’s quite the year and hopefully it will be
documentary festival in the world... maybe we’ll
quite the lifetime. There has been a shift. It’s
do something there. We want to make sure we’re
unfortunate that it’s been the result of such a
doing some more women of color stories and
monstrosity of events but there is no going back
we’re partnering up with the Underwire Film
now... When we first started there seemed to be a
Festival in November. Although hopefully we’ll do
lot of talk about women in film, about supporting
some stuff before then too.
female directors, but there wasn’t a lot of work done to back it up. Now I feel there’s much more
Next year is our fifth anniversary, which blows my
of a collective insistence that we will not go back
mind because I feel like I’ve been doing this for
to that unhealthy way of working—it’s a very slow
about two weeks. We’ll have to do something big
ship to turn, but it’s happening.
because this was only supposed to be a one year project, a one year tribute to the Bechdel test and
Are you working with any of these groups around London?
because so many people liked it it just carried on. Now it’s a thing. It’s a real thing!
We have fortnightly meetings with Time’s Up UK, as well as subgroups within it. There are a lot of
Thank you! ¢
women at the top who are bringing women in to
bechdeltestfest.com
make sure these systematic, practical changes are made. It’s unfortunate that all that work falls on us when we're not the ones at fault, but it’s happening and I feel more positive than ever.
LONDON
WHO WE MEET
Riding the Seattle Sound Waves with Hardly Art Seattle's music scene is thriving, and still as vibrant as ever. Let's explore the sound waves of the city and discover the story of Hardly Art. Words by LINDSEY POTTER Pictures by SAM GEHRKE
The Seattle music scene is often laden with
when it were nominated for a Genius Award by
references to some of the greats such as Jimi
one of Seattle’s major alternative newspapers,
Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. More recently
The Stranger. And the label does not appear to be
we have a new wave of young Seattle-grown artists
showing signs of slowing down!
like Macklemore and Odesza who have gained stardom in their own right. But there is a whole
The A City Made By People team in Seattle was
crop of talented musicians who are establishing
lucky enough to interview Jason Baxter, publicist
themselves in the city’s sound waves by joining
for Hardly Art, who gives us a behind-the-scenes
Seattle-based record label Hardly Art’s repertoire.
look at the growing label.
Sub Pop Records is an independent record label known across the country, representing successful
How long have you been with Hardly Art and how did you get started with the label? Did you always intend to work in the music scene?
bands such as Beach House, Band of Horses, Father
I’ve been working for the label for six years now.
John Misty and The Shins. What many outside of
Prior to that, I’d been working as a freelance
Seattle may not know is that Sub Pop has a smaller
journalist—primarily with a focus on music—
founded in 1988 in Seattle. The label has become well-
sister label called Hardly Art. It was established in 2007 with the intention to focus on acquiring smaller local bands. With its humble beginnings, Hardly Art has really exceeded all expectations and has become a strong force in the community. Hardly Art is powered by a team of three who represent dozens of artists including La Luz, Chastity Belt and Dude York. The label found success by not only acquiring local bands, but by extending its reach outside of Washington State. In 2016, the label was recognized for its work
“The lion’s share of the credit should absolutely go to the artists. Our job is to facilitate their success.”
SEATTLE
WHO WE MEET
and doing some promotion for local all-ages
setting adventure, but the reality is it’s primarily a
venues as well. Since working at the University
desk job just like any other.
of Washington’s student-run radio station, Rainy industry was where my career path would take me.
Can you describe the style of music usually represented by Hardly Art?
When the publicist position at Hardly Art opened
Well, we try not to box ourselves into any one
up, I leapt at the chance to throw my name into
corner genre-wise, but I will say that the ongoing
consideration. I couldn’t be happier to have been
mission of the label since its inception has been to
hired by a label that’s so nurturing and supportive
seek out and elevate emerging talent, both locally
of its artists.
and abroad.
You have made a career of such an amazing passion that involves so many projects. How would you best explain your daily work life?
What are some artists or songs that you are currently obsessed with?
Remarkably unglamorous. The simple answer is
are Lisa Prank, Hoop, Versing and Crater (which
that I email all day, pitching coverage, following
still sort of counts). I’ve been listening to a lot of
up, etc. Some of my other duties for Hardly Art
Daddy Issues, Negative Gemini, Stef Chura and
(social media and finding new artists to sign) fill
Kero Kero Bonito. In my downtime, I like to listen
up the rest of my time. Movies and television tend
to sophistipop and yach rock.
Dawg Radio, I felt pretty confident that the music
That aren’t on the roster? Some local bands I like
to depict the job as some kind of constant, jet-
SEATTLE
WHO WE MEET
What’s the process for bands to be signed with the label? I read that the label has acquired more artists that are not from the Pacific Northwest—has that area grown a lot recently? Do the artists usually seek out Hardly Art or vice versa?
our breath. However, this year is going to be full
The million-dollar question! We get sent demos
@hardlyartrecords hardlyart.com
of great albums and big surprises that I’m not at liberty to blab about just yet. But we will be busy, that’s for certain. Expect new music from some returning favorites as well as an infusion of some amazing new talent into our roster. ¢
constantly and we do our best to get through them, but more often we find bands by keeping an open mind and one ear to the ground so that we stay on top of what’s new and exciting, both in Seattle and elsewhere. Some of our roster has been built through word of mouth—recommendations from peers in the industry, bands already in our family or co-workers. Other times it could be a band we caught live and were impressed by, or found through cruising the internet.
Hardly Art was a nominee for the 2016 Stranger Genius Award! That is amazing, especially considering the label started in 2007. What do you think contributes to the labels success? The lion’s share of the credit should absolutely go to the artists. Our job is to facilitate their success. We were incredibly honored to have been considered for that award, especially just one year after one of our bands (Chastity Belt) had been nominated in the same category. I’d like to think that being successful in this little experiment of ours is due mostly to our commitment to embracing and supporting the vision of our artists—enabling them to reach as many people as possible and trying not to compromise their creativity at any point along the way.
Is there anything new for Hardly Art on the horizon? Any special events or collaborations our readers can look forward to? Seeing as we just put a lot of work into celebrating our tenth anniversary (including two concerts, a zine and a rarities compilation), I think the three of us wish we could stop and take a second to catch
SEATTLE
Local Talent
What inspiration do creatives take from living in urban environments? Our cities are a breeding ground for creativity, and it’s about time we get inspired and celebrate the creatives within them. Our correspondents spotted thriving talents that deserve a stage to share their passion. Let’s hear it from various talents in Amsterdam, Madrid, Hong Kong and Bucharest.
Kevin Rijnders
LOCAL TALENT
Serano Pinas Dancer, performer, teacher and co-founder of Urban Heroes
What inspired you to become a performer? I decided to become a dancer when I was 19. I love
You teach kids and co-founded Urban Heroes. What is that about?
music and I just love to move, so combining both
Amsterdam has a lot of talent, but we realized
made me what I am today. Most importantly, I felt
they need places to dance and to learn about the
the urge to share that with others as well, resulting
art form… that’s why I co-founded the foundation
in teaching and trying to inspire others.
Urban Heroes. I want to teach kids that it’s okay to make mistakes, that they can learn from them and
How would you describe your style?
grow. But most importantly, to have them find out
I graduated from the AHK/Amsterdam Dance
what they’re good at, a mission we like to achieve
Academy, trained in traditional and technical
through hip-hop, dancehall, contemporary, afro,
styles such as classical, modern, house and jazz.
breakdance and tricking.
But I like to take inspiration from all these styles and form them into my own style. It’s hard to be
Liveability in Amsterdam for you is…
put in a single box but still remain exciting.
Everything: living, dancing, the people: I just love this city.
Is Amsterdam a great source of inspiration for a dancer?
nederlandvolhelden.nl/urbanheroes
Absolutely, every area in the city reflects its own culture. Amsterdam is a great place for a variety of art forms and we take a lot of inspiration from it. In comparison to other cities, I’d say it’s very diverse. There’s a large mix of cultures and styles, and the perfect space to explore and grow as a young talent.
AMSTERDAM
LOCAL TALENT
“Mia” Cayetana Soto de Carcillán Fashion designer of Los Pecos Mutantes - LPM
If fashion wouldn’t have worked for you, where would you be today?
something else. I grew up there and learned a lot
Fashion is a way of expression, where I can
time for a bigger reality to conquer and that’s why
communicate hopefully more than just aesthetics.
I came back, renewed. Madrid, after so long felt
So if fashion wouldn’t have been my scenario, I’m
new, with an interesting social scene of young
sure I would have involved myself in some kind of
people looking for new things and in the need for
creative environment. I guess I would have opened
something different.
about life, but with my business I realized it was
a studio where all kind of artists could come with their ideas and projects and bring them to life.
How does the city influence your work?
This is basically something I still want to do, and
We’ll be launching LPM’s next collection soon and
probably will try to do one day as part of LPM.
I’m sure without even realizing it, that Madrid and all that I have experienced here will be reflected.
What is the relationship between your work and music?
The garments, the color palette, etc. In terms of
Everything! When I was living in Italy, my house
it’s obvious that being in a bigger city brings new
was full of musicians coming and going from all
opportunities. LPM has been well recognized
parts of the world to spend time in the beauty of
inside the fashion industry and that is not easy
Tuscany and the chaos of our house. Jam sessions
nowadays when fashion has become about so
took part every night, and my living room was a
much nonsense.
how Madrid has influenced LPM as a company,
testimony and studio for composers to find their artists, writers, painters, actors, cinema directors,
What is the best aspect of Madrid for you in terms of livability?
photographers are what really influenced LPM.
Come on! Seriously? I couldn't live in a better
inspiration. It’s not just the music too, but all those
place where I can fully enjoy my freedom and have
You’ve lived in Florence for a while now, why did you leave Madrid and what made you come back?
a quality life. I'm looking for a place where I can
I left for 12 years to be precise, and I was really
and I like to enjoy life even harder, and for that I
young when I left Madrid. The environment was
need to be surrounded by beautiful things.
too conservative for me and I was looking for
lospecosmutantes.com
express who I am and what I am trying to create, never forgetting how I want to live. I work hard,
MADRID
Marta Aguilar
HOOFDSTUK
STADSNAAM
LOCAL TALENT
Sampson Wong Urbanist and artist
What motivated you to be a public intellectual?
As an artist, what is the work you are most proud of?
The first presentation I did during my under
I am very proud of the various collaborative
graduate years was about Edward Said. Since
projects I have initiated with the artist Jason
then, I’ve been very interested in intellectuals and
Lam and the add oil team–Add Oil Machine,
especially thinkers who foster public deliberation.
Countdown Machine, Broadcast Machine and
There is also a strong tradition of scholars from the
so on. They are projects about consciously
Chinese University of Hong Kong to participate
participating in public dialogues. I am interested
in public affairs, which has greatly influenced my
in exploring more possibilities of creating art
imagination about intellectuals.
projects that are connected to contemporary spatial culture.
What about Hong Kong is the biggest inspiration for your practice? There is a very vibrant public sphere co-created
Five years from now, where do you see yourself?
by scholars, activists, artists and journalists
I hope I would have published books on Hong
before and after the Umbrella Movement (Hong
Kong’s culture and urbanism by then.
Kong’s occupy movement) in 2014. The flow of ideas is a constant inspiration for my practice.
Sampson
The urban landscape and complexity of the built
publications and zines on urbanism in November
environment of Hong Kong remain to be the
2017. A city enthusiast walked in and found the A
biggest inspiration too.
City Made By People magazine. This was how the
initiated
a
pop-up
bookstore
Hong Kong chapter started.
What kind of conversation should we foster to make Hong Kong more liveable? A conversation reflecting on the city’s colonial
sampsonwong.hk instagram.com/sampson_wong
legacy in its many aspects, for example the unique brand of developmentalism that has emerged since the 1980s.
HONG KONG
with
Bertha Wang
HOOFDSTUK
STADSNAAM
Tiberius Hodoroabă
LOCAL TALENT
Felicia Simion Fine art photographer and retoucher
What’s the relationship between your work and Bucharest?
Are there any places that inspire you?
During my university years, I lived somewhere on
historical houses near Piata Unirii, Universitate
the Magheru Boulevard and got inspired by the
or Piata Romana, as well as the Cotroceni and
view from my window. Sometimes, I think that
Dorobanti area.
I feel inspired when I walk the streets which bear
in order to get inspired by a certain place, you Bucharest and when I came back, I felt like there
What is the best aspect of Bucharest for you in terms of liveability?
was more to search for.
The life that’s going on in it! And as I have
must first detach from it for a little while. I left
discovered, the fact that you can be in a small
How does the city influence your work?
neighborhood with nice people, markets and quiet
Last year I was in Deauville, France for a
streets while being close to the vivid center as well.
photographic residency. I did a project called Not
feliciasimionphotography.com
from here, where I immersed myself in various places in the city, wearing a costume which covered my whole body. I would love to continue this kind of work, mixing Bucharest’s beautiful architecture with conceptual portraiture.
BUCHAREST
The Cost of Living in…
(average rounded cost provided by our network)
One bedroom apartment Bucharest
€250 / $300
Madrid
€850 / $1000
Hong Kong
€900 / $1050
Copenhagen €940 / $1100
Caffè latte Amsterdam
€2.50 / $3
Madrid
€2.50 / $3
Vancouver
€2.50 / $3
Melbourne
€2.50 / $3
Bucharest
€3.50 / $4
Minneapolis
€3.50 / $4
Stockholm
€4.25 / $5
Hong Kong
€4.25 / $5
Chicago
€5 /
$6
Copenhagen
€8 /
$9.50
Amsterdam
€1100 / $1295
Melbourne
€1100 / $1295
Stockholm
€1145 / $1350
Minneapolis
€1250 / $1450
Vancouver
€1325 / $1550
Chicago
€1525 / $1800
#acitymadebypeople
Visit to the cinema Bucharest
€4.50 / $5.50
Madrid
€9 /
$11
Hong Kong
€10 /
$11.50
Minneapolis €8.50 / $10 Vancouver
€9 /
$11
Stockholm
€11 /
$13
Melbourne
€11 /
$13
Amsterdam
€12.50 / $15
Chicago
€13.50 / $16
Copenhagen €15 /
Ten minute taxi ride Bucharest
€2.50 / $3
Hong Kong
€4 /
$5
Melbourne
€8 /
$9.50
Madrid
€8 /
$9.50
Vancouver
€8 /
$9.50
Minneapolis
€8.50 / $10
Chicago
€11 / $13
Amsterdam
€15 / $18
Stockholm
€17 / $20
Copenhagen
€20 / $23.50
$18
CHAPTER 3
Why We Create Do we create for fun and adventure? Or are we creating to build bridges and connect with others? Creating is a way we choose to express ourselves and the experience of our lives: to record fragments of our thoughts, feelings and memories. Whatever the reason, we create with purpose. Let’s create a better city together!
AMSTERDAM
The Ball is Open to All BUCHAREST
Entering a Virtual Reality, One Artwork at a Time: This is One Night Gallery MELBOURNE
Behind the Roller Door: Northcity4, Brunswick STOCKHOLM
Seeing the Unseen: Creating Space for Diversity in Stockholm’s Art Scene
WHY WE CREATE
The Ball is Open to All Vogue ballroom culture, once a refuge for New York’s LGBTQ community, has duck-walked its way across the continent and into the hearts of Amsterdam’s fiercest women. Words by ASHANYA INDRALINGAM Pictures by RICHARD RIGBY
“3, 4, 5, 6! Hips, strut, dip, YES!” On cue, we
had latched onto it as a way to be both feminine
sashay to a halt and each attempt our own versions
and fierce on the hip-hop dance floor. And in
of a ‘death drop.’ I land hard, my legs awkwardly
Amsterdam, even more are finding a sense of
splayed in a macabre Raggedy Ann doll pose.
empowerment and expressionism within the
Next to me, Richard winces as he attempts to
permissive space of the ball scene.
arch his back sexily. All the while, looming over our beginner class of vogue femme hopefuls, stands Ambiance. All legs in thigh-high velvet
Amber Vineyard
stilettos, her booming falsetto echoes through the Compagnie Theater: “And that is how you vogue, darlings!”
Mother of the house If anybody’s entitled to the last word on vogueing, it’s Ambience, or Amber Vineyard as she's known off the runway. A California-born transplant to the Netherlands, Amber is widely credited as the founding firecracker of the Dutch ball scene, and the reigning mother of the House of Vineyard—the only ball house to originate in Europe. Balls, in this context, are an urban riff on ballroom dancing, replacing the waltz with vogueing and the dancefloor with a runway. This subculture has its roots in the black and Hispanic communities of 1980s Harlem, New York, where it ignited as a response to ‘queens of color’ being excluded from mainstream drag events. Yet by the time vogueing found its way to Europe, flowing first through the whacking and B-boy scenes of the 1990s, women
AMSTERDAM
Ambience
Ellie
WHY WE CREATE
Elvin Elejandro Martinez
that range from butch femme and face to realness with a twist. The goal is to convince the judges— most of them ball royalty themselves—that you aren’t faking it. “Where in life you may get slammed for being yourself, at a ball you’re judged if you’re not showing off your most authentic self,” says Amber who, fittingly, competes in the sex siren category. “That’s why I’ve always found balls to be a powerful tool for women to express themselves and play around with the characteristics of both genders.”
The balls to be yourself Backstage on the day of the Gender is Fluid ball, the dressing room is a lively hum of activity, the drag version of a pregame locker room. The disappearance of a pair of scissors throws a pair of dressmakers into a panic, while across the room a tall, blond Dutch man struts up to a mirror, hands on his hips and stops to assess the tulle fabric draped across his lean body. I find a spare seat next to Thaynah Rodrigues, 21, a bubbly Brazilian Richard, the photographer on this story, and I first
with perfectly tanned skin and cheekbones that
meet Amber on the eve of the Gender is Fluid
could cut glass. She entertains my questions as
ball, an event hosted by the House of Vineyard
two fashion students painstakingly glue pearls
in collaboration with the Ish Collective. We find
onto her breasts.
Amber clad in an oversized mens shirt and black military boots, simultaneously coordinating stage
Thaynah entered the scene as a teenager and
set up and hosting a pre-event vogue femme
credits ball with giving her an outlet to mature into
workshop (one that Richard and I later attend in the
herself. “It allows me to explore different versions
name of research). She looks like a far cry from the
of myself. I compete in face now, but maybe I’ll
larger than life personality we had seen peacocking
try sex siren soon. Each time, Amber helps me get
in leather stirrups on Instagram or YouTube.
into character but it’s more than acting. It’s the permission to be the version of myself I actually
Online and on the runway, Amber and her ‘kids’
want to be.”
(a term of endearment used to describe the members of a house), are often heavily made up,
Her ‘sister’, 29-year old Barbie Vineyard, finds
mostly in a mix of thematic glam and glitter—the
a different purpose in the community. I first
kind of gender-bending pageantry popularized by
noticed Barbie on the runway, arms cutting
drag queens. In ball, the runway is your stage, and
fiercely through the air, her body contorting into
participants ‘walk’ in highly nuanced categories
impossible positions, competing in an intense
AMSTERDAM
Debbie Ruijter
Thaynah Rodrigues
Barbie
Thaynah
WHY WE CREATE
whacking competition. Up close, Barbie, née
After years of traveling to balls across Europe,
Debbie Ruijter, is a dead ringer for a young Uma
learning the difference between the old way and
Thurman, all legs and angles, with a closely
the new way, and listening to mentors like Archie
shaven head that accentuates her sharp jawline.
Burnett and Laissandra of the House of Ninja, Amber finally felt called to pioneer the Dutch ball
Debbie, who found her calling in the arts, most
scene. “I wanted this to be a space for women but
recently appeared in the dance theater production
I also wanted to honor where it came from: the
of Role Models at Stadsschouwburg and is far
LGBTQ and people of color communities.” She
less extroverted than her alter ego Barbie, who
continues, “the dance community gagged a little
walks European runway. Debbie is a born and
bit when I said ‘What I’m doing with the ball, it
bred Amsterdammer, but getting folded into the
may not be for you.’”
Vineyard clan has taken some of the glare off her rose-tinted glasses: “I’m proud of my city. But
That rainy afternoon in the studio, as I watch
being in the ball scene, I’ve learned so much about
Amber transform into Ambiance, donning a jet
the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.
black wig, a latex thong and a top made of nothing
And even more about my straight, white privilege.
but a set of chains, I begin to understand why
It’s brought a lot of things to the surface and made
this petite force of nature fights tooth and nail to
me realize this city isn’t actually as open as it
safeguard this refuge for expressionism. Sitting
should be.”
amidst the scattered feather boas, nude pasties and 9-inch pleather boots, I wonder how many
A safe space of one’s own
more of the loud and the weird, the proud and the
I ponder over Debbie’s assertion as I bike home,
gay, the dancers and the dreamers are creating
so invigorated by the electric energy of the ball
their very own version of Amsterdam. ¢
that I barely notice the howling wind and rain
facebook.com/houseofvineyard
cascading down my face. As an expat, I’d come to Amsterdam seeking just the kind of acceptance But on a daily basis, the city delivers a kind of
Categories in Ball Culture vogue femme
picture-postcard beauty that seems only skin
A walk with that incorporates catwalk,
deep. Does Amsterdam keep its realest and rawest
duck-walk, hand performance, floor performance
self hidden from public view?
and the dip.
and alternative vibe that I had witnessed tonight.
realness with a twist A few weeks later, Amber and I chat about this
Judged on a participants’ ability to blend in
exact nuance of Dutch culture during a photoshoot
with heterosexuals, then return to vogue.
with members of the House of Vineyard. “You
face
would think there’d be more spaces for different
The participant must sell their face, like they
people to express themselves in this city, but there
are on a photo shoot set for a major fashion
really isn’t. We have inclusive spaces that aren’t
magazine.
necessarily also safe spaces,” says Amber, who
sex siren
herself faced derision when she first started the
Participants do their best to tease, and titillate
ball scene.
the judges by stripping or erotic dancing.
AMSTERDAM
“It’s more than acting. It’s the permission to be the version of myself I actually want to be.”
WHY WE CREATE
Entering a Virtual Reality, One Artwork at a Time: This is One Night Gallery If you’re a traditionalist, you might think technology would only chip away at the coveted mystery of art. On the other hand, if you’re a 2018 art aficionado, you might see it as a chance for a different perspective. Words by DIANA BOGDAN Pictures by ONE NIGHT GALLERY
Do you remember the scene from Amelie (2001)
of digital storytelling and giving the public the
with Renoir’s painting Luncheon of the Boating
opportunity to interact with art in a different way.”
Party? Amélie feels the woman, sipping from a
Mădălina adds, “By making use of virtual reality,
glass in the center of the image, is gazing out of the
we can drive the public to places they have never
frame, seemingly uninterested, while everyone
been and the artists can create works that may
else enjoys their day together. Don’t you long to see
never have been possible before.”
what the so-called ‘girl with the glass’ is seeing? Well, that’s where modern technology could come
The first edition of One Night Gallery took
in. More precisely, the type of technology that
place in December 2017 purely as a platform for
presents a reality different to the one we ordinarily
showcasing Romanian graphic designers. The
see, touch and feel—a virtual reality.
event was put together by Sorina Topceanu, a former PR specialist who decided to leave her job
One Night Gallery is a monthly event in Bucharest
working for Romanian Design Week to pursue an
that offers just this. Presenting a different perspec
old dream—supporting the local art community.
tive when it comes to all things art, the gallery uses
Despite over ten years of professional experience,
virtual reality headsets as “a unique way of exper
the gallery was Sorina’s first time developing a
imenting with the imagination.” Mădălina Ivașcu,
project completely from scratch with only her own
one of the founders, describes the concept as “an
brief to follow.
immersive medium through which the artistic per ception can take various forms.”
Mădălina joined the project for the second edition and brought technology into the equation. Her
“The purpose of the gallery is to give a compre
prior experience working with virtual reality
hensive viewpoint regarding art. Our aim is to
meant Mădălina knew the immersive effect it
be a bridge between the artists and their public,
can have and it was something she’d always
both challenging artists to to use new instruments
wanted to bring to the art world. And so, One
BUCHAREST
WHY WE CREATE
“Step by step, art will become more accessible—we’ll discover artists from all over the world and explore their works no matter where we are.” Night Gallery became an event for supporting
public appreciate our project. Artists have already
local contemporary artists, with a VR twist. Not
written to us saying that they want to be a part
forgetting the after-party that follows, which has
of One Night Gallery and the number of guests
built up quite a reputation.
significantly grows from one edition to the next. For instance, over 700 people attended our last event!”
The event now takes place at Verde stop / Halle on 162 Barbu Văcărescu, a location we definitely
We live in a world where technology and infor
recommend checking out next time you’re in
mation, be it artistic or not, has become more
Bucharest. Artists who have already been featured
and more accessible, meaning limitations have
include digital designer Bianca Dumitrașcu and
become less and less real. One Night Gallery is
her series Type Is Sexy / The Playing Type / My
just one example that supports this idea, allowing
Mind Has No Character Limit; and local graffiti
people to get in touch with a type of creativity that
collective Sweet Damage Crew, who came to shed
wouldn’t have been possible years ago.
some fresh light on the street art phenomenon. “Step by step, art will become more accessible— The most recent edition showcased the work
we’ll discover artists from all over the world and
of illustrator Livia Fălcaru, a young artist with
explore their work no matter where we are. Artists
a uniquely discrete style. Livia presents a range
will attain more visibility because soon they will
of converging universes using a multitude of
not be constrained to a physical space during an
mediums—from canvas to augmented reality, to
exhibition,” Mădălina concludes.
the tactile, the virtual and back. With the physical walls of a gallery no longer a Sorina and Mădălina organize each exhibition
limit, it seems event spaces and creative media are
alongside the artists on display and each One
just the starting point for exhibitions of the future.
Night Gallery concept is set and styled according
This could mean bringing contemporary art into
to the showcased works. On top of this, each visitor
the city space and we can’t wait to see what this
receives a pair of VR glasses as they enter the
does for Bucharest. ¢
exhibition which they wear for an exclusive live
facebook.com/onenightgallery
drawing performance. At every event, the featured artists create a live piece using VR—giving guests a sneak peek into their creative process. Mădălina explains, “We believe that all of these pieces have put together a puzzle that matters. So we’re happy to see that both the artists and the
BUCHAREST
WHY WE CREATE
Behind the Roller Door: Northcity4, Brunswick Melbourne is home to many artists and creatives across a range of different fields. Each require specific tools and spaces to produce an end product, but as an up-and-coming jeweler this isn’t always straightforward, especially when the tools needed are very large and expensive. Words by NETTA JUSTICE Pictures by SARAH CAUST
I was surprised to learn that there is a thriving
Northcity4 has called the Brunswick warehouse
jewelry community in Melbourne, varying in
home since 2011, “It started out as seven or eight
a range of design styles and techniques, some fresh
people working in the front studio and the back
out of university and others who have been
area was a school where we used to run workshops.
refining their skills for years. You’ll find many
The school closed at the end of last year as
of these artisans at Northcity4, a work space
we decided to focus our energy on providing
for jewelry makers set in a large warehouse in
professional development for jewelers rather than
Brunswick.
the general public. It’s just much more rewarding for us and means we’ve got more time to spend on
This industrial co-working space was founded
our own pieces.”
by Anna Davern and Ali Limb, both established jewelers with over 20 years experience in the
The large, open plan workspace is broken into
field. Previously based at e.g.etal in the city, the
smaller work stations for 13 resident artists who each
pair were frustrated with the lack of room
have their own studio space. In the center of the
available. Anna explains, “tiny, small spaces
room there are communal machines such as welders,
would have six or seven jewelers working their
engravers, polishers and any bench tools required.
traditional jewelry with one bench and that’s it. The idea of having a more communal space
There’s a private front room to consult with
evolved from there.”
clients and a kitchen area, where the team has family style lunches. “We really wanted it to be
Together they decided to create a space where
open plan, there are no walls and people keep
designers could network but continue to work
their things low. The individual work spaces are
independently at the same time. At Northcity4,
all different sizes and can be adjusted, it depends
jewellers exchange knowledge and learn new
on the type of jeweler. One of the main differences
techniques they can then put towards their own
between contemporary and traditional jewelers is
projects. In this workspace model, sharing tools
they use different types of machinery and have
and equipment just makes sense.
different storage needs.”
MELBOURNE
The great thing about Northcity4 is the versatility
Anna is excited about the prospect this has for
of what they offer. As well as the longer term
the next generation of jewelry makers, “they can
artists with more permanent studios, there’s also
come here and learn from their peers how to set
the option of renting out a project space for three
up a small independent business—because there’s
or six months—perfect for those preparing for an
a lot involved. We all share skills and ideas, it’s a
exhibition or completing the final touches on a
dynamic way of doing things, you don’t have to
range. You can even rent an access space desk for
be here full time. We are very much larger than
just a half day if you need to use a machine you
our community here—it’s about supporting the
may be lacking to finish a piece.
jewelry community as a whole.”
“We all share skills and ideas, it’s a dynamic way of doing things, you don’t have to be here full time. We are very much larger than our community here—it’s about supporting the jewelry community as a whole.” MELBOURNE
Northcity4 works through a culture of generosity
Every year Northcity4 opens its roller door
and sharing; any new artists wanting to rent a
for a day of markets and fun activities, usually
space must fit into that ethos to become part of
in December. With a rotating flux of jewelry
the family.
designers, this workspace has got everything going for it and, perhaps most importantly, its
During my visit I was surprised to see so many
ethos is built on a real sense of community. So you
plants on display, hanging in baskets, planted in
can wear that handcrafted piece of jewelry happy
large boxes—leaves and greenery in a place where
in the knowledge that it has come from not just an
people are working with hard stones and metals
individual, but a team. ¢
all day long. Anna tells me this is not just about
northcity4.com
aesthetics, “because of what we do, there are a lot of elements that are quite toxic. As well as looking nice, these plants could potentially be helping our health.” Ex-resident artist Inari Kiuru set up the ‘Indoor Forest’ as an air purifying experiment. The sustainable, permanent green installation at Northcity4 is a living work of art based on NASA’s research on the air-cleansing qualities of houseplants. It’s created from locally grown plants and locally built vessels of sustainable materials.
MELBOURNE
WHY WE CREATE
Seeing the Unseen: Creating Space for Diversity in Stockholm’s Art Scene A country famed for its quality of life and inclusive way of living, yet something is out of balance in Sweden's capital. We speak to Ashik Zaman of C-Print about the troublesome lack of diversity in Stockholm’s art galleries. Words by KAYLA HOLDERBEIN Pictures by DANIELA ROSSI
Market Art Fair is Stockholm’s largest annual art
Ashik Zaman, Editor-in-chief of C-Print and
fair. Held every spring over three days, it draws
Coordinator of the Talks series at the Market Art
thousands of visitors and potential buyers to
Fair, has been a key figure in opening this dialogue
Sweden’s capital. After years of being housed
in Stockholm. This year’s Talks featured a panel
in various spaces around the city, the 2018 fair
discussion on Diversity Matters and Inclusion in
returned to its original home of Liljevalchs
the Art Sphere, where several artists, gallerists, and
Konsthall.
curators were invited to share their thoughts on the subject. I spoke with Zaman about how improving
The high ceilings and ample white walls of
diversity and inclusion in the art community
Liljevalchs Konsthall are impressive. Something
creates a more vibrant and liveable city for all.
about the abundant open space is an expression
and lack of diversity is palpable: only 3.5% of the
During the Diversity Matters discussion, someone mentioned a coded language in the art world—a spoken or unspoken way of communicating about art in terms that are not accessible or relatable to a certain group of people. This can come out in the way art is written about or the environment in which art is shown (galleries, museums, etc.), and can create a barrier to access for some communities. What are your thoughts on this?
450 represented artists in Stockholm are people
I agree there is a coded language situation. I’ve
of color. However, this has not come without a
been a part of the art scene in Stockholm for
movement to surface these issues and create a
over ten years but I still remember the first time
dialogue around them.
I went to Andréhn-Schiptjenko—which is now
of wealth in itself—there’s room to breathe, for creative thoughts to wander. Yet within this open space and perceived ‘room for all,’ there exists an unspoken code: barriers to entry for both artists and art-lovers alike. This feeling is not exclusive to Liljevalchs or Market Art Fair, but instead reflects a larger pattern in Stockholm’s art community. A separation of class
STOCKHOLM
“I believe art either resonates with you or it doesn’t, you shouldn’t have to explain to somebody else why. It’s a personal sense that you shouldn’t have to defend.”
WHY WE CREATE
my favorite gallery—I felt the need to prepare
local communities—they’ll do a lot of shows that
myself for the situation. It's strange to think now
look out to the world and will channel topics like
but I almost found the name itself intimidating.
immigration. Konsthall C is an institution that I
Koshik (Ashik’s brother and Editor for C-Print)
think has taken more responsibility than others,
and I didn’t feel we had the right background. Our
over the past two years their whole program has
parents are interested in art and there was a lot of
been about decolonizing the north.
creative activity going on at home, but we weren’t
intellectualize it. Whereas I believe art either
When we talk about why this is important, why diversity even matters in the art space— it seems to be quite a loaded subject in Stockholm. How do you make a case for that discussion?
resonates with you or it doesn’t, you shouldn’t
It’s true. There is segregation and we don’t
have to explain to somebody else why. It’s a
really talk about class. I think it comes back
personal sense that you shouldn’t have to defend.
to the socialist mindset, the idea that ‘we all
grounded in the contemporary scene. There’s this idea that you can’t just perceive art emotionally or intuitively, instead you have to
must contribute for everybody to live well.’ The
This sense of elitism also extends to the way art is written about, do you think this adds another barrier for the diverse art community living in Stockholm?
perception we want to have is that we’re all part
The coded language used to write about art drives
discussion. It’s been too politically incorrect for so
me crazy—art writers and curators almost have too
long that we’re afraid of using certain terms and
much freedom. A text should be there to serve a
we’ve refrained from talking about class, about
purpose and if you don’t see any connection between
societal difference, about skin color.
of a ‘nice, open-minded society that takes care of its own.’ What obscures these conversations is that we don’t really have the tools to open the
that text and the art you’re seeing, that’s okay. My general take is that art should always reflect Sadly, social background does play a part. Many
the trajectory of society in some sense. There has
communities started migrating to Sweden just
to be room for art that represents the ‘now’ but, at
30-40 years ago, so whatever language we’ve
the same time, you can’t expect these perspectives
used growing up will never be close to the coded
to come from nowhere. The people that have
language we see when writing about art. The
these artistic visions need to be given the space to
trouble is, using the excuse of social backgrounds
project them.
and immigrant mentalities places the responsibility on the communities that have no command of the
Art schools aren’t going into smaller, diverse
art industry. The art schools and galleries, that’s
communities and actively seeking students. The
where the real power lies in making change.
thing is, everyone is friendly and polite, and if you reach out to them and actively request their
Are there galleries or institutions who are making an effort to change?
participation, they would be accommodating.
Konsthall C, Tensta Konsthall, Botkyrka Konsthall,
And when everything is very coded, how are you supposed to feel like you have the language to reach out to somebody, or know where to reach out?
and Bonniers Konsthall are among the leading institutions. The thing about the suburban art institutions is that they are very rooted in the
STOCKHOLM
WHY WE CREATE
but their intentions were always questioned more
reflected to the same degree in art schools, but it’s probably more than 3.5%. What are your thoughts on that?
than others. If your name is Jens and you’re 35 with
It’s definitely over 10%. It’s still low, but definitely
the aspiration of being a curator, then there’s no
a stretch from 3.5%. I’ve actually spoken a lot on
questions asked. It will be assumed that art is a
the subject after a Facebook post of mine about the
part of your background somehow. If your name is
lack of diversity in Stockholm’s galleries received
Ashik, the question will rise—it might not be said
some attention. The post became a platform for
out loud, but the thought will be there—“Where
conversation—a few gallerists were giving input,
did this interest come from?”
and people shared and liked it. But I realized that
I know friends who went to art schools after always having an interest and talent in the subject,
the gallerists were pretty shocked by it, which says so Even if you don’t do identity-based art in art
much about the lack of responsibility and reflection.
school, there is a perception that you might. It’s not judged without this bias of you having
The art world has this perception of being very
a difference. And if you did want to do art that
open-minded, but it’s a bubble that needs to be
really was identity-based, I have heard of cases
burst. If diverse representation only makes up
where people found it too political or provocative.
3.5% of galleries, then the art scene really isn’t
It shouldn’t have to be that way. I feel just by being
open-minded at all. It’s time for galleries to reflect
there with my physical body in the art sphere, that
on their position and start asking themselves,
it sets a precedent.
“What are we collectively doing here and how can we make sure there’s space for everyone?” ¢
What responsibility does the art scene have to open this up?
c-print.se
All artistic communities together have to take responsibility. We have to confront our own biases, our own stereotypes and clichéd images. Luckily art is a good platform for that. If diverse artists are to be written into art history, they will have to be represented by galleries and given space to show their work. Otherwise art history continues to be non-reflective of society. I scanned the 19 galleries that make up the more traditional art spaces in Stockholm and it doesn’t really matter how generous you are toward what counts as diverse, you will end up at about 3.5%. Out of 450 represented artists—the total number was like 14 (who came from a non-Swedish background). It’s very, very low.
When we look at the wider community, you have now 30% of Stockholm that doesn’t have a Swedish background. That isn’t STOCKHOLM
CHAPTER 4
How We Progress How do our cities progress over time? What projects advance the livability of our cities, both culturally and sustainably? Let’s explore the exciting epicentres of change that are making a very real transition to an improved way of living.
COPENHAGEN
The City Aquatic HONG KONG
We too, live here: Third Culture Kids in Hong Kong MANCHESTER
Peas And Quiet In The City
HOW WE PROGRESS
The City Aquatic Severe rainfall in 2010 and 2011 in Copenhagen, Denmark raised awareness of climate change on a political level, triggering the conception of a plan with 300 solutions to implement by 2035. Climate adaptation is increasingly being considered as an opportunity to make Copenhagen a better place to live with propositions from a number of parties. Although circumstances and traditional work processes make the situation arduous, these initiatives create platforms for collaborations between the municipality, private companies and the citizens. Words & Pictures by CHARLOTTE SABOURET
December, 2009, Denmark hosts the 15th United
the water utility company (HOFOR) and private
Nations Climate Change Conference. Its capital
engineering companies began paving the way
city, Copenhagen, is full of international delegates
toward resilient systems.
gathered to discuss an agreement to tackle climate change. At this stage, Copenhagen is already
Double-value and community involvement
known for its sustainable development approach
In 2012, the city climate adaptation strategy
and the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2025
integrated the Cloudburst Management Plan in its
is already underway. However, the city has not
core. This plan was conceived as a risk assessment
yet launched a master plan to cope with climate
tool to make estimations and decisions on the
change. It wasn’t until two periods of extreme
required level of security against flooding. Three
rainfall in 2010 and 2011 that awareness grew on
hundred projects were identified and detailed in
a political level in the city.
the plan which could be fully functioning by 2035. The strategy Copenhagen Agenda 21 was created
On the 2nd of July 2011, the area surrounding
by the Copenhagen municipality in the wake
Copenhagen experienced the worst cloudburst
of the first agenda of its kind, which has been
in 400 years. More than 150mm of rain fell in
authored by the UN after the 1992 Earth Summit—
two hours, causing extensive flooding and costly
and presents a framework for involving multiple
damages. Meteorologists began to dig into the
city stakeholders in coping with environmental
data which produced troublesome predictions for
and climatic challenges.
the future, including an increase in precipitation, severe high winds and rising sea levels. Extreme
According to this agenda, until 2019 the
rainfall presents enormous challenges which
sustainable development of the city will follow
vary from area to area and cannot be solved by a
principles
single initiative such as improving the sewerage
co- creative
system. From that moment, the municipality,
partnerships using a holistic and interdisciplinary
COPENHAGEN
related
to
“citizen
communities
and
participation, private/public
HOW WE PROGRESS
approach,”1 the same perspective as the inhabi
tation plan by involving the road owners who are
tants’ involvement, a ‘double-purpose’ approach
responsible for the cost of road maintenance. To
is announced by the municipality to tackle climate
accomplish such efforts, the municipality has set
change and economic and safety issues. In
up a partnership with private companies to enroll
addition to increasing the storm-water drainage
private road owners to create an application for
capacity, the different technical solutions are also
a co-financing scheme. Residents with private
designed to create recreational areas which help
courtyards have already had the opportunity in
cool the city, enhance biodiversity and result in
the past to apply for economic support for reno
increased livability, with more parks and other
vating their spaces. However, the climate change
green areas. This indicates a shift from perceiving
context and the related downpours causing floods
storm-water as a damaging element that needs to
in basements have made the situation much more
be removed from the ground surface, to a resource.
complex. A task force and online portal have been created to inform and guide citizens in adapting
Private roads, courtyards and streets as collaborative areas
their properties for climate change. This illus
Private roads owned by citizens (such as those
company (HOFOR) are beginning to consider
which lead into residential blocks) have been
private road owners as genuine partners.
trates that the municipality and the water utility
identified as an opportunity by the climate adap 1
Palomino, J., (2017), Co-Design and Citizen Participation Processes in the Climate Change Adaptation Projects of Copenhagen, (Master’s thesis)
COPENHAGEN
HOW WE PROGRESS
In many in buildings in Copenhagen, apartments
the research project “The Gold—Value Creation
overlook a courtyard, often a green and spacious
in Climate Adaptation” carried out by the
area. Gated from the footpath and shared only
Department of Planning of the University of
with other tenants and adjacent buildings, the
Aalborg, researchers are looking into how
courtyards often feature child’s play equipment,
architecture and urban infrastructure can play
benches, chairs and barbeques set amid gardens,
an important role in improving the mental
lawns and trees. The maintenance and renewal
health, physical activity, and social interaction of
costs for these private green spaces are paid for
residents within their neighborhood.
by the owners. Thus, interest has also grown amongst the municipality and the facility
Experimentations with civic participation
company HOFOR to integrate public and private
An
courtyard spaces into the cloudburst masterplan.
participation is the ‘climate resilient block,’ which
Indeed, courtyards such as in schoolyards,
is part of the a climate resilient neighborhood
institutions, large car parks, or gardens and
located in the East of Copenhagen (Klimakvarter).
residual areas, are spaces in the city that can
Since 2013, Klimakvarter has created an open
contribute to the city’s climate adaptation
framework where the municipality, residents of
breathing new life into the area.
the neighborhood, external consultants in urban
emblematic
project
with
high
citizen
planning and other organizations have been Climate adaptation can also provide a solution
helping to develop future solutions for the block
for certain health issues. For example, within
and courtyard renewal. This has taken place
COPENHAGEN
HOW WE PROGRESS
through interviews, questionnaires for citizens,
contributed with designing new learning spaces
planting events, friendly meals for residents of the
and schoolyards together with students in the area.
neighborhood, meetings and a committee room open to the public to answer questions and discuss
Many other cities in Denmark have participated
the project. However, if the project has been
in climate change adaptation. Gladsaxe is
introduced as the pinnacle for civic participation
located near Copenhagen, and citizen budgets
within the climate adaptation plan, no standard
have been explored by the municipality. Citizens
formula has been conceived to create a shared
can get 125.000 Dkr. to develop a climate project
strategy and allocate budgets to start replicating
in their area. This has proven to be a successful
these sorts of participatory tools all over the city.
system as the citizens claimed ownership of their projects and developed a new knowledge about
Another recent urban renewal project has also
climate adaptation.
placed the civic participatory approach at the forefront of its development process. The project
Platforms for innovation
is called “The Soul of Nørrebro” and will lie in
Beyond the dream world sold through 3D renders
the heart of this popular Northern district of
published
Copenhagen. The architectural team has designed
companies, feasibility has not been entirely
a plan with blank spaces open in the design, for
solved in various urban renewal projects.
citizens, schools and local businesses to create
Kayaking, children splashing around ponds, urban
future content and function. For example, Arki_lab,
agriculture… all the lifestyle activities that can
an urban design firm that aims to design cities
easily be put forward when browsing architectural
with people through participatory processes,
projects. However, polluted water is still an issue
by
architecture
and
engineering
HOW WE PROGRESS
and may cause complications for the municipality.
methods to document and visualize the benefits
In that respect, The rain, a new Danish Netflix
and potential of climate adaptation.”
show, may be seen as a nod to the climate change issues faced by Scandinavian countries. In this
Although a traditional top-down approach is still
post-apocalyptic show, the story is set after a
significant, innovative forms of co-creation have
devastating biological catastrophe caused by a
been introduced by politicians, administration,
virus transmitted through the rain, wiping out
the private sector and the civic society which could
most of humanity.
be considered the essence of the Nordic model of sustainable development. The lesson we can
Nevertheless, all of these projects offer an
learn from Copenhagen is that climate adaptation
exciting opportunity for progress. For Signe
work must not only focus on minimizing the risks
Boelsmand, research assistant in the Department
but also take advantage of the adaptation efforts
of Planning at the University of Aalborg, “If
to improve quality of life of our cities’. With
climate adaptation should be an accelerator for
flexible and participatory solutions, where water
changing the way, our roads and public places
and heat management works alongside urban
look like we need to invite and collaborate with
planning and development of recreational areas,
people whom are experts in the new values that
Copenhagen keeps its leading position in this
we want to promote. This could for example be
global effort, and is already exporting its best
healthcare workers, schools, the department
practices to other big cities. ¢
of sport and leisure, citizens, interest groups etc. This calls for new ways and tools to qualify collaborations between different actors - and new
HOW WE MOVE
We too, live here: Third Culture Kids in Hong Kong Look inside any city across the globe and you’ll come across a swell of ‘third culture kids.’ Raised in a culture that differs from their birthplace and heritage, these global nomads have a unique experience of the world around them. And in Hong Kong it’s no different. We spoke to a selection of the city’s third culture kids about coming-of-age in a place that outgrows its people. Words by LESLEY CHEUNG Pictures by BERTHA WANG
HONG KONG
Wai, Hong Kong / United Kingdom Grew up in the United Kingdom and visited Hong Kong once every three years when she was little. She now lives in Tai Po, the New Territories, on her own while her Hong Kong-born parents are in the United Kingdom.
1 1. MJ, Hong Kong / the Philippines Born and raised in Hong Kong with parents from the Philippines who came to Hong Kong for work. They returned to the Philippines a decade ago.
2
2. Tara, Hong Kong / France / Singapore / United Kingdom Born in a little town in Southern France and moved to Hong Kong at age 9. She studied high school in Singapore and university in the United Kingdom. Parents live in Hong Kong.
HOW WE PROGRESS
“MJ also feels stigmatized because of the large population of Southeast Asian (mainly Filipino) domestic helpers in Hong Kong, which she is often associated with. A former employer even asked her to introduce herself to clients as Latin American.” Since the middle of the 20th century, increasing
ding to American sociologist and anthropologist
numbers of people have been flowing in and out
Ruth Useem, third culture kids are those raised in
of Hong Kong. The city has become a refuge for
a culture different from that of their parents and
southbound Chinese fleeing from political unrest
their birthplace. What do these third culture kids
and a symbol of prosperity for businessmen on the
make of Hong Kong? As a generation of mobility,
cusp of Hong Kong’s economic boom. What these
how do they place themselves in both the culture
new settlers have in common, at least when they
they have grown up in and that of their parents?
arrived, was that Hong Kong was their place “until”
In the context of Hong Kong, third culture kids
—until they could return home to reunite with their
are usually the result of their parents’ privilege,
families, until they earned enough money or until
often born into upper-middle class families with
they found a better place to earn more. There was
the financial and social capital to travel around—
always an expiry date on their stay.
whether they are expatriates relocating to Hong Kong or locals leaving.
After Beijing’s crackdown on democratic and student protesters in June 1989, eight years ahead
This, alongside Hong Kong’s established history
of the handover of Hong Kong’s sovereignty
as an entrepot, means that children are exposed
to China in 1997, that expiry date suddenly
to multicultural influences from a young age and
drew nearer and waves of Hong Kong residents
often find it difficult to identify with a fixed idea
suddenly had a decision to make.
of place.
Hong Kong as the third culture
The city as a newfound wonder
Over 20 years have passed since these people,
As the world gets more globalized and intercon
either stopping by or residing in Hong Kong,
nected, going overseas is much easier for young
made the choice to settle in or flee the city they
people, as well as for third culture kids who have
called home.
now come of age. Wai, who grew up in the United Kingdom and only visited Hong Kong a few times
During this time, Hong Kong continued to see
in her childhood, is one of the adventurous souls
an influx of multicultural influences resulting in
who “wants to experience living and working in
growing numbers of ‘third culture kids.’ Accor
a different country while she’s still young.” She
HONG KONG
HOW WE PROGRESS
“Children are exposed to multicultural influences from a young age and often find it difficult to identify with a fixed idea of place.” is very open about her possibilities here in Hong
he speaks, that is. He speaks native English and a
Kong, explaining, “I’ll at least give it a month to
little Cantonese (reluctantly), but he doesn’t feel
settle in, then after that I’ll see how it goes.”
discriminated against, especially since his social circle is mostly other expatriates.
Wai could have lived anywhere, but Hong Kong was convenient. “It’s easy for me to settle here
Hong Kong to him is a workplace. “Every year I
because of my family. Moving to a completely new
review whether to stay in Hong Kong for another 12
country for me is a big jump.” Is Hong Kong a big
months,” Alex explains. He takes into account his
jump, too? She hesitates, “It’s always been half-
work, the lifestyle of the place and the opportunity
half, I’ve always been living in-between cultures.”
for travel. “Going anywhere from Australia takes
While she is here in Hong Kong, she takes the
longer than from Hong Kong.” Over the years the
time to look up local history and discover unusual
biggest struggle of staying or leaving was when he
places, unlike how she used to visit relatives on a
broke up with his girlfriend. Eventually he chose to
tight schedule. To date, Wai has been to the Big
stay, knowing Hong Kong could offer more stability
Buddha and Kat Hing Wai (a walled village in
while working on his PhD studies back in Australia.
Yuen Long, the New Territories). “Kat Hing Wai is just walls now, but it’s over 800 years old—this is
Infinitely close and yet to arrive
the stuff I want to discover.” And there’s certainly
While Wai and Alex are reconciling their distance
no lack of interesting places for her to see.
from Hong Kong, others whose parents are from abroad often find themselves stigmatized
There are also some who consider their stay in
or estranged by locals. This can get particularly
Hong Kong more thoughtfully, such as Alex.
problematic for Southeast Asians, a majority of
Having grown up in Australia, he encountered
whom live in Hong Kong for work or family reasons.
Hong Kong indirectly because of two women: his
MJ, a native Hongkonger with parents from the
mother who originates from Hong Kong and took
Philippines, really feels this clash in cultural identity.
him back on family trips when he was young, and
MJ navigates Hong Kong as a local. “The shop
his ex-girlfriend who got a job in Hong Kong in
owners in the wet market and the Wellcome
2012, so he moved there with her. It’s been five
[local supermarket] cashiers know me,” she
years now and Alex works as a physiotherapist at
beams, happy to have immersed herself in her
a studio run by Australians, but he doesn’t take the
neighborhood. While she mingles well with
city for granted.
locals, people see her as a foreigner due to her appearance. Plus, language can be a barrier
Alex identifies as Australian, though he feels his
when the locals use Cantonese slang that she is
Asian appearance makes him blend in well—until
unfamiliar with. MJ also feels stigmatized because
HONG KONG
HOW WE PROGRESS
of the large population of Southeast Asian (mainly
confusing as I tried to understand two different
Filipino) domestic helpers in Hong Kong, which
cultures and how I fit into them. I feel somewhat
she is often associated with. A former employer
alienated, especially when I am with a group of
even asked her to introduce herself to clients as
Hong Kong natives, or a group of Filipinos.”
Latin American.
At home in a cultural swirl The Philippines to MJ is like a distant relative.
While cultural identity for third culture kids is in
She travels there once a year to see her family
flux and evades clean definition, home is to be
and celebrates their traditions alongside those
found on unsettled ground. Born in France and
of Hong Kong. Speaking of the 2010 incident in
raised in Hong Kong, Tara is comfortable living in
Manila—where Hong Kong tourists were held
this city and identifies as a Hongkonger, despite
hostage, some fatally—MJ was deeply saddened.
having grown up in a mix of cultures and not
“Growing up and discovering my identity was
speaking Cantonese. Tara studied at the French International School where her peers were mostly French expats from mixed backgrounds. The experience of studying abroad has made her sensitive to how she understands her own identity. She visits France at least once a year, but doesn’t feel very connected to the country. She believes how one identifies with a place is more about culture and social interaction, and sees herself blending in Hong Kong as the city itself is also hybrid. “Hong Kong is forever changing. I don’t think anyone knows the city completely, most people only know part of it well.”
Third culture, home culture? Wai, Alex, MJ, and Tara offer a glimpse into the distinct experiences of third culture kids living in Hong Kong. While Hong Kong prides itself on being cosmopolitan, communities still tend to be largely segregated along linguistic lines. The overwhelming majority of Cantonesespeaking locals seldom achieve the same depth of communication with the significant minority of English-speaking, multicultural individuals. Nevertheless, third culture kids have adapted to Alex, Hong Kong / Australia / Chinese mainland Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia to a mother from Hong Kong and father from Chinese mainland. His family now lives in Australia.
Hong Kong in their own way. Day by day, they build their lives here around patterns and habits, continuing to evaluate both themselves and the city they call home. Well, at least for now. ¢
HONG KONG
HOW WE PROGRESS
Peas And Quiet In The City Manchester has set its sights on being one of Europe’s greenest cities and a great starting place is urban gardening, the practice of using limited urban space for cultivating food and plants. Great steps have been taken but there is still work to do... Words & Pictures by CRAIG A. TAYLOR
MANCHESTER
HOW WE PROGRESS
It’s long been accepted that far from being an
west side of Manhattan. The 5 million people who
insult, ‘you need to get out more,’ is actually pretty
have walked the pathway could be forgiven for
sound advice.
thinking they were in rural Connecticut rather than in the centre of one of the most congested
In his 1854 essay Walden: Or, Life in the Woods, Henry
urban areas on the planet.
David Thoreau’s classic prescription for civilization and its woes was ‘the tonic of the wilderness,’ a
Europe is leading too. Amsterdam already has
reference to nature’s calming and health boosting
188 registered city gardens and the city’s Rooftop
effects. The Japanese also have a word for this; they
Revolution project, turning unused rooftop spaces
call it shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing.’
into productive gardens, is a fantastic concept. Freidburg, Germany’s self-styled ‘greenest city’
Many of us have found that connecting with nature
boasts the Gartencoop, an impressive urban
in green urban spaces benefits both our mental
agricultural co-op collective with over 300 organic
and physical wellbeing and now we have scientific
vegetable gardeners.
proof. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ ) scores reported that “people living in greener
So, what about Manchester?
areas experienced significantly lower levels
Manchester is surrounded by four National Parks,
of mental distress.” In a major publication in
yet the city centre is notoriously bereft of green
September 2014, Public Health England said
space, with many residents having only a small
“there is significant and growing evidence of
balcony to convert to usable green space.
the physical and mental health benefits of green In March the Mayor of Manchester, Andy
spaces.” They went on to add:
Burnham, held a major conference called Greater “So, we know we need green space, but, what if
Manchester Green Summit, with the intention
you live, work and socialise in an urban area with
of making Manchester one of Europe’s ‘greenest
little or no access to green space? Finding both the
cities.’ That’s a bold statement of intent.
time and the place to connect with nature can be tough, and in a city like Manchester it can seem
There has been some success in recent years
almost impossible.”
in ‘greening up’ the city centre. Dig the City in Manchester in 2013 introduced street gardens,
Urban gardening, the practice of using small,
flower displays, stalls and colonies of bees into
urban spaces to grow plants, flowers and even
the city centre, stating “Organisers hope to inspire
food is becoming more and more popular. It is
more residents to create gardens in whatever space
also about developing green community spaces
they have.” Sadly, Dig the City hasn’t continued.
where people can connect with each other, which is equally important.
However, smaller more local projects may come out on top. There are a number of
Many cities have acknowledged the need for
successful community-based projects running
urban gardening and access to green spaces. In
in Manchester, all with the intention of creating
2014, an urban garden was created in New York
green space that can used to grow plants and food.
above street level; the New York Highline Park.
South Manchester is heavily populated, but there
It was created on a former New York Central
are numerous enterprises going strong.
Railroad raised platform which runs down the
MANCHESTER
HOW WE PROGRESS
The Green South
own use. In Salford there are Incredible Edible
In the centre of Chorlton, one of Manchester’s
shops and managed allotments where local
most densely populated areas, is Chorlton
residents are assisted in starting urban gardens
Nursery, a small garden centre which actively
and growing and selling their produce, for both
promotes growing food as well as more traditional
personal and commercial use.
flowers and plants. All of these organisations are advocating selfThe centre has been run by the same passionate
grown food and encourage Manchester’s citizens
team of urban gardeners for the last 28 years. They
to get together, work together and grow together.
explain that a number of their vegetables, all of
We know urban gardening has many benefits, so
which are ideal for small spaces, can be bought to
what can be done to encourage more?
grow easily at home, including courgettes, beans, tomatoes and pumpkins.
The need for green space has to be part of the local planning process and national planning strategy
Less than a mile from Chorlton Nursery is another
and green space needs to be protected from
community project, Scott Avenue Allotments.
development.
In addition to private allotments, it features the, Grow For It! project. The Grow For It! project,
It’s not impossible. If you look at what Milan has
funded by the Council and Metrolink, allows
achieved with the Bosco Verticale, 137 species of
locals to use the space for gardening and features
tree and plant seamlessly interwoven with steel
an apiary. There is also a shop selling the honey
and concrete, we know we can build modern
and other produce grown on site, the profits of
places to live and feel connected to nature. It
which go back into the garden.
does, however, need the will and the application of planners, councils and developers and direct
Nearby in Hulme, there is a successful and popular
action by local residents.
urban gardening project, the Hulme Community Garden. Located in the middle of a concrete jungle
In Manchester, there is currently a battle raging
of flats and tower blocks, the garden features a
to protect a large green space at Turn Moss
tea shop, a garden centre, a cafe, walkways and
from development. Local residents are directly
‘wildflower areas,’ which are areas given over to
challenging the Council and developers, and the
local flowers and bees with little or no human
media is watching with interest. The outcome
intervention. The centre also runs regular meetings
will go a long way towards signalling the intent
on how to grow food at home. It is great to see so
of Manchester City Council going forward, and
many children getting dirty and showing a genuine
how serious it is about being one of Europe’s
interest in growing their own food.
greenest cities.
Three areas of Manchester and Salford have
Will Manchester really embrace the need we have
joined 70 other groups in the nationwide project,
for green space? Time will tell... ¢
Incredible Edible, which encourages communities and schools to grow simple herbs and vegetables in urban areas. Wooden raised beds are set up in shopping centres and railway stations and the public is encouraged to harvest produce for their
MANCHESTER
Founding Friends
We all need friends in life to progress and grow. Therefore we have teamed up with like-minded and inspiring brands that support our collective intention. We’re continuously looking for partners with a purpose, who have ‘people’ at their core and like to make an impact in cities. We feel both lucky and humbled to have these great founding friends part of this journal. Thank you!
FOUNDING FRIENDS HOOFDSTUK
This is Antwerp This is Antwerp is an urban magazine on Antwerp’s
of Antwerp’s creative scene. Which results in This
creative scene, published by the city of Antwerp,
is Antwerp being at the heart of that creative scene.
Belgium. Urban, creative and off the beaten path
Furthermore, This is Antwerp collaborates with
are its keywords. To provide you with the most up
national and international creatives. This makes
to date information, This is Antwerp works with a
This is Antwerp an international community of
diverse network of over 40 locals-each one a part
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every purchase has a purpose. Consumers are
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TOMS is a lifestyle brand with giving at its
With every product you purchase, TOMS will help
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We want to spend more time embracing everything our cities have to offer Our cities are where connections are made,
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Reaching New Heights
Amsterdam | 135m Rembrandt Toren
Chicago | 527m Willis Tower
Copenhagen | 106m Christiansborg Palace
Melbourne | 297m The Eureka Tower
#acitymadebypeople
Minneapolis | 241m IDS Center
Hong Kong | 484m International Commerce Centre
Stockholm | 83m Vancouver | 201m Sรถder Torn Living Shangri-La
Creativity x Livability How can we creatively tackle urban issues in our cities? How can citizens be more involved in making their city better?
Nadine van der Wielen, Snap Me Pretty
Music x Freedom
Photography x Mental Health
Hamzah Kashash Hamzah Kashash
Photography x Mental Health
Evolving from the A City Made By People network,
of inspiring in-conversations with artists and
Made By People Lab launched in 2018 to explore
performances, sharing vulnerability and how
how creativity can positively impact livability in
empowering music can be.
our cities. We facilitate the connection between City, brands and citizens through creative
Although we started with creating these unique
experiences to deliver social impact and develop
creative experiences in Amsterdam, we intend to
deeper connections with communities.
expand these activities to all our cities within the network.
Through our framework of Creativity x Livability we pair creative elements with urban issues to
Do you want to be involved as a citizen or partner
bring new perspectives and collaboratively work
in making these experiences a reality? We would
towards new solutions. Over the last months
love to hear from you.
we’ve launched a few of these experiences: Let’s creatively tackle urban issues and work on
Food x Loneliness
livability together!
Isolation and loneliness is an issue for most cities, despite their populations increasing. Whether it’s newcomers arriving into the city or the elderly feeling detached from the City they have always called home, there are a range of contributing factors to loneliness. We hosted a ‘buddy-dinner’: this buy-one-giveone initiative brought members of the community to eat together and meet new people to break the loneliness cycle.
Photography x Mental Health Mental health is a silent killer across developed societies. Breaking the taboo and talking about it and how to deal with it can only help citizens. We briefed 10 local photographers to explore the topic and bring it out of the darkness through their work. As a result: we exhibited the works over 4 days with all profits from sales being donated to a local mental health foundation.
Music x Freedom Music gives us the freedom to speak up and share, but also empowers us in what we want to achieve in life, to create and grasp new and exciting opportunities. We joined for an evening
madebypeoplelab.com @madebypeoplelab
Patricia Cabeza
Correspondents & Photographers in this Issue MADRID Words by VERÓNICA MARTÍN & LETICIA BARBEITO Pictures by PATRICIA CABEZA Local Talent Words & Pictures by MARTA AGUILAR VANCOUVER Words by MELISSA GAGNÉ Pictures by OLIVIA SARI-GOERLACH PARIS Words & Illustrations by SONJA BAJIC CHICAGO Words by TOULY PHIACHANTHARATH & IVY TAC Pictures by IVY TAC MINNEAPOLIS Words by WAQAR AHMAD & RITA FARMER Pictures by RITA FARMER TOKYO Words by MANA WILSON Pictures by TAIGA KATO LONDON Words & Pictures by STEPHANIE ADAMS SEATTLE Words by LINDSEY POTTER Pictures by SAM GEHRKE AMSTERDAM Words by ASHANYA INDRALINGAM Pictures by RICHARD RIGBY Local Talent Words by ROBIN COX Pictures by KEVIN RIJNDERS BUCHAREST Words by DIANA BOGDAN Pictures by ONE NIGHT GALLERY Local Talent Words by ADRIANA SPULBER Pictures by TIBERIUS HODOROABĂ MELBOURNE Words by NETTA JUSTICE Pictures by SARAH CAUST STOCKHOLM Words by KAYLA HOLDERBEIN Pictures by DANIELA ROSSI COPENHAGEN Words & Pictures by CHARLOTTE SABOURET HONG KONG Words by LESLEY CHEUNG Pictures by BERTHA WANG Local Talent Words by LESLEY CHEUNG Pictures by BERTHA WANG MANCHESTER Words & Pictures by CRAIG A. TAYLOR
Does your city want to be part of the #acitymadebypeople network? Can’t get enough of proclaiming your love for your city? Are you always discovering new trends and meeting people with inspiring stories to tell? And does your city have progress just waiting to be shared? A City Made by People might be right up your alley. We are always looking for energetic correspondents and city captains all over the world. Without our dedicated global teams, A City Made by People wouldn’t be where it is today. Get in touch and let’s start the conversation on how you can be involved. acitymadebypeople.com @acitymadebypeople
We support and celebrate citizens who make our cities more livable