My Week @ somewhereto_ re:store
This summer I was given the exciting opportunity to manage Cardiff’s branch of the amazing nationwide project somewhereto_re:store.
With six main hubs across the UK, in London, Manchester, Newcastle, Bangor (NI), Glasgow and of course Cardiff, the scheme allows young people to take over disused shop spaces over the summer and showcase ideas, creative enterprises and ambitions. A kick up the rear end for our ever samey high streets and a jolt of inspiration for a cutback generation.
The packed week kicked off with a day out to the Capital City Jam, Cardiff’s newest hip-hop event in Bute Park, where we handed out free stuff and got more and more familiar with TheSprout’s own marquee as the weather turned. The majority of people who I talked to seemed impressed by the accessibility of somewhereto_ for all, although I soon learned that explaining the project wasn’t all that easy.
Work in the shop proper began on Tuesday, and for the next three days the store saw every sort of activity and all manner of visitor. While Project Fio brought their drama workshops to the store and even helped me with a play I am writing, Polly Homjakina’s beautiful display of gig photos attracted plenty of interest, especially from local musicians. Her free photography workshop later in the week was highly insightful and coincided with a group of young writers who met to discuss plans for TheSprout Awards.
After some major technical problems were overcome, the summer’s first Cult Cinema Club, run by our very own Weeping Tudor, proved a highlight of the week. Little Shop Of Horrors and some makeshift refreshments went down a treat in the shops basement, which has to be the coolest spot for cinema in Cardiff. Upstairs, with help from our lovely volunteers we added some collaged artwork to the walls and began a doodle board for people to add their own mark on the space. We learnt over the week that the more interactive the shop could be the better and visitors were very interested in the basement photo exchange, which I hope other managers will really develop over the next few weeks.
From the friendly flamethrowers of the Llanover Hall-based Hummadruz circus crew to the buskers invited to use the space outside the shop, the team made sure that we did everything possible to attract young people into the space to use the free wifi, do some artwork or just chill out.
Although it was at times challenging to keep things organised whilst being the friendly face of the project, the week taught me a great deal about how to work with different types of people. This kind of free space is desperately needed for young people in this area and if the funding is there I would love to extend my short week of work. I finished on Thursday night feeling tired yet energised by a truly inspiring few days, which showed me just how many talented young people Cardiff has, but all the while frustrated at the usual lack of provision for so many creative minds.
Make the most of somewhereto_ and head down to Cardiff’s High Street before summer’s out.
Got an idea but need the space to make it happen? If you’re aged 16-25 you can use this city centre shop, absolutely free. Events will be happening every day, come and perform, learn a new skill, be entertained or just chill out. There's free entry, free drinks, free wi-fi. See the full list of events, and to book your own, visit the store at 11 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AW (castle end of St. Mary's Street), join the Facebook group or email cat@somewhereto.org
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