Social engaged art project

Interested in the recent developments in the high streets in the UK, Smeeing initiated the art project Future of the High Street. The project tried to re-imagine the potential uses of vacant retail spaces in the local high streets. Not driven by profit or a commercial agenda, Smeeing wanted to critically respond to the current developments in the high street and act upon a pure social curiosity. His project explored what a more inclusive alternative to the redevelopment of the high street could be. What models of economic development are possible, when social value is placed at the heart of the project?

After testing and developing of the project in various locations in London, Smeeing approached the art organization Made Public with a project proposal to prototype the Future of the High Street. Made Public was at the time responsible for vacant units in the Quadrant Arcade as part of a regeneration programme in Romford and offered Smeeing a 6 weeks residency and a vacant retail unit to develop, test and present his project.

Future of the High Street was not another pop-up shop, but a prototype for a space that could have multiple uses and house several local businesses on an hourly basis. Could the space be a hair salon at 4pm, a restaurant at 6pm and a cinema at 8pm? As part of his vision for the project, the events and activities that happened in the space depended on the local collaborations. Smeeing invited individuals, local entrepreneurs and institutions to participate in the art space and together with them test and experience the alternative uses.

When various individuals or businesses share a space, the time in the space is being used most efficient and rent could potentially be shared according to the hours of use over the various participants. Although participation in this project and the use of the space was free, Smeeing tried to explore how the space could bring economic value to the landlord as well as social value to the local community, while also creating a sense of ownership and local civic pride. 

With the project Smeeing tried to create a stimulating environment for encounters, discussions and dialogue, which allowed people to experience an alternative towards developments on the high street. The project challenged the notions of time and value, while testing systems of sharing in today’s economy. Ultimately the project tried to explore how current developments, policy-making, laws and regulations could be challenged with a social engaged art project.

Year : 2015

Film by : Marika Santala

Funded by : Made Public, Fundatie Vrijvrouwe van Renswoude