Something’s happening in our high streets. Previously vacant storefronts, casualties of the economy, are now bustling hubs of art and performance. Where are they coming from? Who would dare subvert our aversion to change and fill these once derelict buildings with life once more? The culprit is new and exciting project Somewhereto_, and it hopes to change the way we view the high street. Aimed at 16 to 25 year olds and aided by a large lottery fund, the project has been finding empty and unused spaces and converting them areas for young people to do what they love since 2010 and has so far managed to unlock over 380,000 sq ft of space in the UK.
Recently open on Cardiff high street, their main goal now is to raise awareness. Their launch party, featuring local artists such as Maddie Jones and Blackout, with bigger names like Ragsy, was hard to miss. “The important thing is letting people know now it’s here for them, we have constant exhibitions and music workshops downstairs at the moment, graffiti art happening this week” says Catrin Wyn Southall, the energetic promoter working to make all this possible. “Young people are amazing, they do amazing things. They’re like ‘what, you mean I can just bring my art in on the high street and put it in a shop?’”.
The company allows young people to find the space they need to be creative, whilst reviving dead areas of the high street, and they want more shop owners to consider donating their unused space. “It’s a trust thing, a lot of people when it’s related to young people imagine the space isn’t going to be looked after,” explains Cat, “people should be open to young people using their space because no, nothings gone wrong and it’s great, it’s hard work but it’s great”. This isn’t an experiment any more, it works. “Anyone can come in and use it. That’s the key now, for people to contact us when they have an idea”
Get involved people, let’s use that space!
SOMEWHERETO_ HIGHSTREET HEIST
Castle High Street, Cardiff
Info: restorecardiff@somewhereto.org / www.somewhereto.com
