My proximate space -- Castlegate, Sheffield

I asked myself a question over 3 years and a half years ago, when I took on a studio at Exchange Place Studios…… How do I relate to the Castlegate area where I have my studio space? IN the centre of the City, at the confluence of the Rivers Porter/Sheaf and Don. Yes, I am connected by the River Porter, which flows through the leafy area where I live on the outskirts of the city. It’s route through and under the city maps almost exactly my journey from home to the studio whether by bus or by bike. And it seems important that this flow is not obstructed. But what have I got to do with the City area — do I belong?

I become a member of the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust around the same time as I moved into my studio. I attend meetings, help out occasionally on stalls, became part of the SPRT Public Art Group, liaised on a collaboration between the University of Sheffield Music Department and the SPRT — a performance of sound recorded in the culverted rivers and artwork (some by me, some by Cathy Speirs). See https://www.alisonchurchill.uk/exhibitions#/life-streams/. I am now the SPRT rep on the Archeology and Heritage Interpretation Public Art group, run by Sheffield City Council.

The Castlegate site has received £14 + million from the Levelling Up Fund to transform the site from a wasteland to a public space which will attract people to come and feel at home here. A green space, a space for public art and events, to become aware of the layers of history — the Castle, the Markets, the Steel industry etc — traces of all are visible on the site. Deculverting the river, regenerating nature, reflecting Sheffield as an “Outdoor City”. How can all this be made visible in a way that brings the past, the present and the future into perspective.

Being involved in the Public Consultation workshops. Fascinating. How do you include everybody? The local residents, the recent arrivers, the many diverse communities, students, artists, the visitors, the business, etc.

“What is it that makes a space productive? What is it that makes a space challenging, exciting, embracing, inclusive, hospitable and tolerant? What is that?”

This is powerful street art…..

The different values, worldviews….. Inviting the energy, subversive creativity of the street artists and skateboarders who use this area below, whilst preventing antagonistic and destructive behaviours. Bringing back the local inhabitants, and those who frequented the markets and are angry about how the markets were demolished leaving them dispossessed. Invoiving business, but avoiding corporate takeover, gentrification etc. The Castle enthusiasts, the academics, ……Inviting the progressives, the greens, the environmentalists…. Not just for now, but how is it going to evolve in the future. That’s would good people in the Council are trying to do. And at the same time there are deals in the background, things that will suddenly be imposed without consultation, rush jobs etc. This project probably needs years to work all this out. The money has to be spent by 2024!