Village Not Town

Community Art and Action Against Development.

Project Director:
Yehong Wei

Producer:
Chenghao, Yosho Jia

Graphic Designer:
Yehong Wei, Chenghao,

Photographers:
Yosho, Del

Collaborator:
Village Anti-Development Group

Location:
United Kingdom

This short-term public practice project focused on the conflict between the residents of a village in the UK and developers. It aimed to empower residents to generate community development ideas, promote well-being and enhance communication and collaboration for meaningful change.

The village opposed a 250-home development, citing environmental and community preservation concerns. Residents formed an anti-development group, but low digital literacy, especially among the elderly, limited their ability to use platforms like Facebook and mobile devices to raise awareness and gain support.

To involve the community, the project utilised various methods, including interviews, participation in local meetings and the organisation of workshops.

By collaborating with the anti-development group, the project ensured that its actions supported the community's goals. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a "banner workshop," which served as a platform for open dialogue. Residents crafted banners and displayed them throughout the village—on gardens, vehicles, windows, and personal items—transforming these banners into mobile advocacy tools. The grassroots movement garnered substantial local support and media attention.

After the workshop's completion, efforts focused on maximising the banners' impact. These banners provided the group with a unique visual identity, enhancing their digital presence and deepening community engagement.

Last update , Aug 2024