Makespace Oxford
Making space for sustainability, creativity and community
Local social enterprise, Makespace Oxford, revive and repurpose underused spaces across Oxfordshire into affordable workspaces that nurture connection between artists and organisations committed to positive change. Through these spaces they aim to build a diverse, supportive community, allowing change-makers to grow and thrive.
In May 2022 I joined the team as one half of the communications branch; bringing my skills as a photographer and storyteller to lift the lid on the revival of the buildings, and the residents - the creative, social and environmental entrepreneurs - who occupy those buildings on a temporary (‘meanwhile’) basis.
As part of this work, I began an ongoing portrait series, Meanwhile, which shines a light on some of the individuals and organisations that make up the the Makespace community. It showcases the important work they are doing, whilst highlighting the ways we all benefit when we reimagine and challenge how we use and access space in our urban centres.
The residents captured in these portraits span many different sectors, but are united by a commitment to positive cultural, social or environmental impact. They help to build more inclusive and resilient local communities and stronger local economies. While the series slowly grows, it is important to note that Makespace Oxford have supported over one hundred and forty purpose-led organisations into affordable space since their inception in 2018.
In early 2021, Makespace launched the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’ programme, led by Oxford City Council, which saw the opening of a further 27 new meanwhile spaces across all five districts over the course of 18 months. With over 400 applications, the programme brought to light the huge demand for affordable and accessible space.
While the use of these spaces may be temporary, the vision is long-term: The work is a catalyst to develop towns and cities that are community owned, people-centred and climate safe - now, and for future generations.
Creating the change we want to see in the world, one empty building at a time
Jess Harvey, Woven Ink
Katie Herring, Tribe Zero Waste, Farringdon
Dr Dianne Regisford, Owned By Oxford
Ab Brightman, Digital Learning and Service Provider
Ben Tuppen, Share Oxford
Dr Dianne Regisford, Owned By Oxford
The Junction, Didcot: A shared community space
Dr Dianne Regisford, Owned By Oxford Oasis
Raymond Pelekemoyo, working in The Junction, Didcot
Mike Benson, Berliner Benson
Kingsley Pratt-Boyden, In-Spire Sounds
Sam Skinner, Fig.studio
Phoebe Nicholson, Oxford Poetry Library
Sam Skinner, Fig.studio
Oliver Mason, Gulp Fiction
Fabio, Community Coordinator at The Source, Oxford
Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani, Young Women’s Music Project
Emily Jarrett in The Guildhall, Chipping Norton
The Guildhall, Chipping Norton
Dr Dianne Regisford, Owned by Oxford Oasis, Blackbird Leys
Lily and Kate from Down to Earth Cafe, The Old Stables, Wantage
Jess Harvey, Woven Ink
Helen Bailey, Sabali Pots, Community Pottery Studio