The Scargills: A Community Online

T H E T h e

S C A R G I L L S H i g h r i s e

P r o j e c t

A Community Online THE SCARGILLS

It did however, highlight the increasing divide in the city, where many people are digitally

The Scargills project took place in March 2021,

excluded through lack of access to technology,

during the third lockdown of the coronavirus

wifi and data. The partners we would usually

pandemic. As our projects often take place

work with were stretched to capacity

around a geographical location, we had hoped

supporting others in need, but thankfully we

to be able to run the sessions in person.

were able to use some of the materials budget

However, due to the ongoing restrictions we

to pay for data where required.

had to move sessions online.

Even ensuring access to a connection, the

Moving online opened up the possibilities for

construction and location of social housing had

blended learning, where we delivered art packs

a tendency to block mobile phone signals. In

to people along with booklets with instructions

addition to this, the format of Zoom did not

for completing the weekly tasks. These were

allow space for the incidental conversations and

complemented by weekly catch up sessions

pastoral support that often accompany

over Zoom. On the one hand, this made the

community workshops.

sessions more accessible for people to attend as it cut down on travelling and provided more

Despite this, participants enjoyed their weekly

options for people with mobility issues and

sessions, and the chance to reflect on a very

those who were shielding.

strange year of being inside.

There are lots of buildings in our area. It is crowded here but the people are nice.

Behind each window is a different family and each of them has a story to tell.

He passes almost every day.

That music cheers us up.

I met the postman.

His name is Chris, and he's always cheerful.

He is a lifeline at the moment.

There is a mixture of cultures, people from different backgrounds who are all so welcoming and friendly.

For now I just enjoy the aroma of cooking coming through the open windows.

When lockdown has ended, and the sun is out, people can cook and enjoy food together in the spirit of togetherness.

It is interesting the people that I miss from before.

I only know faces or voices. It's quite hard to get to know people over social media or the internet.

Community is about feeling safe.

I'd like to have the feeling that I can walk down the streets safely at any time of day or night.

Particularly now we are isolated and we have to do everything on our own. But maybe that’s asking too much.

If I could I would build a swap shop so people could get the things they need.

Like a trade in centre.

The Highrise Project aims to explore the links between architecture and social relations in inner city areas and particularly around municipal highrise buildings and council-built estates. Our collaboration combines our own experiences of living in social housing, along with our skills and interests in co-producing high quality art with communities.

This publication was created by residents in and around Scargill Grange, Gargrave Court, and Brignall Court. Thank you to the students of COOP Academy Leeds for contributing their art, photography and conversation, and to Mentally Healthy Leeds for providing wellbeing support to participants.

The project was funded by Leeds Inspired and the Inner East HAP. The workshops were facilitated by Louise Atkinson, Victoria Kortekaas, and Dawn Smallwood.