Earthworks workshops

Earthworks was a series of free public engagement workshops designed to gather rich data regarding public realm improvement. The workshops were led by London artist Jo Pearl and Public Voice: Common Ground in partnership with Jersey Development Company, Creative Island Partnership and Government of Jersey.

Jo’s previous career as architectural PR at Norman Foster and Partners gives her an understanding of the role of public engagement in creating a sense of place. We work with Jo, alongside local potters and the community to create a model of a town where all want to live.

What happened

·       Over 160 islanders took part in the St Helier Earthworks workshops.

·       All ages and demographics came together in a large tent in the pop-up park.

·       With art as the common language, all participants were able to communicate on an equal footing.

·       Many residents stayed for hours. This enabled a depth of understanding that would not have been possible through survey method alone. Facilitators observed that those with the least English stayed the longest.

·       The workshops resulted in a ladar recording of the model, interviews, drawings, film, and photography.

·       It led to further clay workshops and a proposal for a community pottery studio.