N3: Nature Network Neighbourhood
Artist(s): We Made That, Parasite Ceramics
Client: Dorset Wildlife Trust
N3: Nature Network Neighbourhood is a programme of six creative projects focusing on developing innovative creative responses to the public realm in Dorset. N3 includes ‘Creativity in Community-led Planning in Dorset’, a set of written guidance aimed at local residents and councillors. In line with the government’s Localism agenda which aims to give power back to local communities, the document aims to encourage the use of creativity in the development of Neighbourhood Plans, and the recognition of the contribution of creativity to local place-making.
N3 projects include:
Creativity in Community led planning guidance is aimed at putting arts and culture into the heart of the Neighbourhood Planning process. It is a guide produced by Ginkgo for community organisations making a plan in Dorset, but it is nationally relevant. As arts and culture continue to suffer from diminishing resources and a lack of investment and planning for the future, the guide sets out ways of making the most of local resources:
• How to work with creative practitioners and where to find them
• Carrying out a cultural audit
• Making consultation creative to bring on board hard to reach groups like young people
For a copy please download here.
Gillingham Neighbourhood Plan
A pilot commission in Gillingham, North Dorset, for which London-based architecture and design practice We Made That have been employed as artist/creative practitioner on the development of their Neighbourhood Plan.
Walking Distance
Walking Distance is a project in the market town of Dorchester aiming to integrate creative commissioning with the redevelopment of the public realm and transport network in central Dorchester. Site-specific ceramic practice Parasite Ceramics have been appointed to deliver this project and will be delivering site-specific research in October/November 2012, with a series of small permanent commissions to be installed in Dorchester’s public realm by the end of March 2013. The project has been developed in partnership with Dorset County Council’s Highways Team and Dorchester’s Business Improvement District (DBID).
Animal Architecture
Animal Architecture is a project on a housing estate in Littlemoor near Weymouth exploring the possibilities of animal architecture (such as batboxes and birdboxes) when co-located with new housing. The project has been developed in partnership with Synergy Housing and the RSPB and will be delivered by artist/designers Something and Son.
N3 is funded by Arts Council England, Dorset AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Dorset County Council and has in-kind support from Dorset Wildlife Trust. Particular projects have also levered in funding from housing developers and local business organisations.
