Regeneration, working to build communities

Most of Dot to Dot’s work takes place in areas of regeneration or in support of community development.

Community is about people working together, feeling a common sense of purpose and responsibility for one another. Some of Dot to Dot’s projects are about participants and artists creating objects which physically improve an area, whilst other’s contribute to a change in people’s opinion of an area.

“The finished mosaic is a permanent reminder that we can all make this city a more vibrant, diverse, interesting and special place to live in when we all work together.”
Project participant, response form at the unveiling of final part of Somerstown Mosaic 2006.

This could include residents learning about photography, discussion of images and then creating publicity and information about their community. This ensures work made by participants and artists for their own community presents it in a way they believe is fair, positive and accessible.

This is the process which leads to the production of the Wecock Farm map

"It's projects like this that bring the community together."
Participant in the map project 2007.

The Arts can also be a tool to engage people in consultation about an area or issue. Working together with artists and other professionals to discuss and exchange ideas and influence plans and schemes.

Collaboratively produced, publicly-sited art-work can involve local people in its making and help to change views or people’s behaviour in an area. Working with experienced artists ensures that the right materials and techniques are used and that work will last.

“It’s wonderful to see the bits we made up there
with everyone else’s.”
Eighty year-old participant, Spring Wood Avenue Mosaic project 2007.

Events and performances can also contribute to regeneration and community development, with residents celebrating the skills and achievements locally and also going elsewhere to perform, projecting a positive view of their community to others who may not have visited it.

Such events can also be documented and these images contribute to a positive view of communities, many of which are often presented in a negative light at other times.

“It was really important to use images of local people and
real groups to publicise the new centre.”
Manager, Paulsgrove and Wymering Healthy Living Centre 2006.