What would your ideal neighbourhood look like? We asked this question to a pilot group of 100 children and handed them each some air-drying coloured clay to take away and work on with their parents, grandparents, carers and friends. The results were outstanding! They built homes with unique designs, representing their dearest values, culture and hopes. The project really took off when a participant suggested that the models were incomplete without a hospital...and a park...the models were arranged together, creating a nieghbourhood! With the support of the Mayor of Barnet, our ambitious new project is an intergenerational arts project which asks over 10000 people to create their ideal neighbourhood via clay. Via Barnet schools and community centres, we will combine designs created both in a physical display and digital media such as videos and online galleries. Bridging different communities and age groups, this project will create discussion, unity and ideas for a brighter future.

What we'll deliver:

• Distribute 5000 clay kits to Barnet residents and families via schools and community centres
• Create video footage of the clay structures - 5 videos
• Develop educational materials and teacher packs to accompany the clay kits for schools to use
• Facilitate online sharing of pictures of the art pieces
• Create a physical display space, using a selection of the clay structures, open to visitors if restrictions allow
• Findings of the project will be presented to the Mayor of Barnet, who will respond formally

Why it's a great idea:

This project brings people together, and gives greater access to the arts for those who currently can't access such activities, generating greater engagement in the arts. This project will give young people a voice to express their needs and hopes for a brighter future. This project will unite different communities, religions, cultures and age groups across the Borough. This project will generate discussion about what Barnet residents want to see in their neighbourhoods. This project will give people a therapeutic outlet for dealing with their Covid-19 experiences and give them a positive framework for focussing forwards and taking part in sculpting the future. This is sorely needed as Barnet has been heavily affected by the pandemic and the health of young people has suffered. This project will create a piece of art work which will reflect the unique character of Barnet and the ideas and voices of its residents through the medium of sculpture.

Steps to get it done:

• May - June:Clay packs delivered to schools and community centres across Barnet
• July: Photo and video footage created of the works of art and shared
• July - October:Select works of art assembled to make a physical display and entry advertised - should restrictions allow

Words of endorsement from Dr Caroline Stock, Mayor of Barnet: I am proud to support the project idea “The home we build together/Lets Build Our Barnet Better Through Art” proposed and piloted by the educational charity JFT. What better way to think about how to rebuild our fragmented world than to ask the next generation how they would improve how we live! This fun and intergenerational project will bring families together around the kitchen table, pull communities together, generate dialogue, form stronger connections and most of all, give young people a voice. This is so vital as we seek to look forward to progressing beyond the immediate challenges of Covid-19 and the associated mental health challenges that have resulted, create tolerance and cohesion and make Barnet a better place. JFT is by definition, a forward-looking organisation well placed to deliver this ambitious and transformative project. I wholeheartedly endorse its vision and perhaps above all it’s fun too!