Mansions of the Future: A Hub for Community, Art & Creativity
Mansions of the Future was a three-year initiative funded by Arts Council England to establish an arts and cultural hub in Lincoln. The space came alive through a vibrant programme of public talks, workshops, communal lunches, and family-friendly activities, alongside both national and international art commissions. Creative Rebel CIC was honoured to join as Cultural Associates, contributing events and initiatives designed to enrich and empower the community within this inspiring space.
Our role:
Over the three years, we curated a range of activities and takeovers that encouraged creative experimentation, co-design, and collaboration. Our goal was to foster a sense of shared ownership and to strengthen the cultural and creative community in Lincoln. We hosted regular events, including film screenings, TEDx gatherings, networking and collaborative workshops, each exploring themes of community-driven action and sustainable social change for Lincoln’s future.
Challenges:
​Throughout the project, we engaged directly with over 300 participants through workshops and outreach activities, and connected with an additional 500 through our operational support. Though the programme was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of Mansions of the Future lives on in its virtual legacy, with its ethos of creativity, collaboration, and community support continuing to inspire.
Outcome:
The digital preview attracted over 200 viewers, with the highlight being a panel discussion featuring the creative team, Not1More, and environmental defenders streaming live from Jones Hill Wood. The screening led to On The Line being picked up by Vice and shared on their social media on 30th April 2021, where it has since reached nearly half a million viewers worldwide.
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While the increased awareness came too late to save Jones Hill Wood, the event successfully raised £230 for Not1More’s Casa de Respiro Florestal project in Brazil, and the film’s message about environmental protection continues to resonate globally.
Key Learning:
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Give Before You Get: Mansions of the Future operated with a ‘gift economy’ approach, offering free space and resources for creative experimentation. This openness nurtured a culture of generosity and shared resources, inspiring us to adopt a similar approach in our practice.
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Empower Passion: The success of Mansions of the Future was in its ability to empower people to pursue their passions, offering resources that enabled them to contribute meaningfully to Lincoln’s cultural landscape. The project was a platform for aspirational thinking and creative growth.
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Intentional Participation: Instead of directing activities from the top down, Mansions of the Future invited the community to lead, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. This participatory approach resonated deeply with our own philosophy of working with, not for, the community.
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Connection Through Social Spaces: Communal meals, such as Community Lunches and pizza discussions, proved invaluable in building deeper bonds and creating a welcoming atmosphere. This shared social experience strengthened community ties and established common ground.
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Mansions of the Future demonstrated the power of an open, creative space in building lasting community connections. As Creative Rebel CIC, we are excited to carry forward the principles learned here, continuing to design and deliver projects that empower, engage, and inspire.