In this episode of the ArtWorks Alliance podcast, host Adrian Sinclair welcomes three visionary members of the Resolve Collective—Melissa Haniff, Akil Scafe-Smith, and Seth Scafe-Smith—for a compelling discussion on the theme of “crossing boundaries.” This conversation delves into the heart of Resolve Collective’s interdisciplinary design practice and their innovative approach to community engagement.
Listeners will gain insights into how Melissa Haniff explains the convergence of diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban design, and creative arts within Resolve Collective to tackle social challenges in the built environment. The episode explores the significance of incorporating varied perspectives to enhance community engagement and drive meaningful change.
Akil Scafe-Smith recounts the organic beginnings of Resolve Collective, highlighting their reactionary approach to addressing the adverse effects of gentrification and displacement in South London. This narrative underscores the importance of fluidity and responsiveness to local contexts in community-focused work.
Seth Scafe-Smith outlines the collective’s strategic pillars, including “Nurturing Ecologies,” “Material Store,” “Starting from the Ends,” and “Thinking Through Making.” These frameworks highlight their commitment to supporting marginalised communities, redistributing resources, and fostering alternative pedagogies.
The episode features in-depth discussions on notable projects such as the Liverpool initiative with Tate and the engagement project in Whitechapel’s Angel Alley. These examples illustrate Resolve Collective’s emphasis on collaboration, material reuse, and creating spaces that reflect the needs and narratives of local communities.
The conversation extends to the broader implications of Resolve Collective’s methodologies for participatory arts. Adrian and the Resolve team discuss the value of co-operative work, the necessity of redefining project briefs, and the challenges of maintaining a commitment to inclusive, community-led design practices.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of art, design, and social justice, offering valuable perspectives on how interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches can transform participatory arts and community engagement practices.
Keywords: ArtWorks Alliance podcast, Resolve Collective, interdisciplinary design, community engagement, participatory arts, social challenges, built environment, gentrification, marginalised communities, collaborative projects, material reuse, alternative pedagogy.