Other Communities - similar projects UK Wide
We are not alone!
Kingston is not the only community with committed activists trying to improve the number and range of places for social interaction, well being and belonging. The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) is supporting initiatives in Chelmsford and Peterborough.
Chelmsford Redevelopment Project
Led by Malcolm Noble FRSA, with support from Networks Manager, Clare Reilly, the Chelmsford project assists with the redevelopment of Chelmsford town centre. Working with Fellows, local residents and businesses the project has organised a community engagement initiative and the establishment of a Forum, workshops seeking to build relationships with different segments of the local community to stimulate public interest in, and appreciation and care of, the history, appearance and character of Chelmsford.
As part of the 'Chelmsford Visioning 2010' project, recently Malcolm has secured funding from Chelmsford and Essex Councils to support further project development to re-enchant the city are far wider than the conventional ones like architecture, engineering and land-use planning. RSA support, working closely with Malcolm helped secure major funding for the continued development of this project.
More information: Email Malcolm Noble FRSA
Peterborough Citizens of the Future Project
This is an ambitious social action programme in Peterborough led by the RSA in partnership with Peterborough City Council, Arts Council East and Opportunity Peterborough. The aim is to provide Peterborough with a framework and infrastructure for generating and cultivating civic behaviour from the bottom-up that will last beyond the duration of the Citizens of the Future project. By doing this the project will:
The feasibility study and scoping phase employed a multi-layered methodology consisting of:
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Extensive literature review of research on
(a) citizen engagement (b) behaviour change (c) place and identity (d) urban regeneration -
Deliberative discussion groups with Peterborough citizens and community groups
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In depth interviews with senior decision-makers in Peterborough from the public and business sectors, third sector and creative industries
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Dialogue and engagement with RSA staff and fellows.
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A report has been delivered detailing a practical programme of delivery to be implemented over the next 18 months.
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Explore the complex issues of place, identity and civic behaviour Develop a distinctive identity for Peterborough that establishes the city as a place of national recognition
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Understand how the arts can imaginatively contribute to a process of social change including social and environmental sustainability.
The concept of 'sustainable citizenship' links together pro-environmental behaviour with a wider project of cultivating and embedding civic behaviour and social responsibility in Peterborough. By doing this, Citizens of the Future delivery programme will help Peterborough move towards its ambition of becoming the UK's Environmental Capital.
More Information: http://www.thersa.org/projects/citizen-power
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