12 Days of Impact: A Look Back at 2024

December 17, 2024 Makespace Oxford Community, Meanwhile

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back on some unforgettable moments and milestones made possible by the power of our community. The 12 Days of Impact is a celebration and appreciation of the achievements that have shaped the past 12 months.

A huge thank-you to our partners, residents and wider community who made this year so extraordinary—here’s cheers to 2024!

Day 1: The MIO Report

2024 saw the launch of the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’ impact and learning report. The programme reanimated nearly 30 buildings, provided homes for 100+ purpose-driven organisations and created over 200 jobs. The report and accompanying infographic are a celebration of the journey and a resource for others seeking to drive place-based renewal.

Find out more and read the full report on our Meanwhile in Oxfordshire project page.

Day 2: Community Gardening

This year, we’ve seen incredible growth—literally! From community gardening at The Old Stables with Wild Wantage, to the fresh planter beds on the bike shed at Aristotle Lane, and a fantastic spruce-up by the Community Advisory Board outside The Community Works, these spaces have bloomed with the care and creativity of our green-thumbed Oxfordshire residents.

A huge thanks to everyone who’s dug in, planted, and nurtured these beautiful projects.

Day 3: Voices of Impact Film Series

This year saw the launch of our Voices of Impact film series at The Junction in Didcot. In collaboration with Style Acre Charity and support from Soha Housing, this series shined a light on important issues like social justice, mental health, and climate change. Watch this space for more screenings in the new year!

Day 4: Marmalade Festival

In April we hosted our first session at the Marmalade Festival at Oxford’s Old Fire Station, ‘Unlocking Space for an Inclusive Economy.’ It was an opportunity to share key learnings from the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’ report, and to connect with and platform those who’ve supported the programme, as well as welcoming anyone curious about unlocking space in their own communities.

The audience heard the real life experiences of Helen Baillie and Tawio Oluwatuyi, residents of hub spaces in Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot who run grassroots projects such as community pottery studios, fashion design, dress making and creative workshops for young people. Read all about it here.

Day 5: Future Thinking Series

Our Future Thinking Series continued this year with inspiring talks on solidarity, community, and regeneration. Speakers included Josh Moseley from SET Space London and Sib Trigg, an architect and builder. These events opened up vital conversations about mutual support and shared resources for social and environmental justice.

Andy Edwards and Alex Lui smiling and sat outside the bright yellow Bristol Arts Mansion holding a Meanwhile in Oxfordshire report and a Stir to Action magazine

Day 6: Stir to Action Festival

In July, we attended the debut Stir to Action Festival in Bristol. Makespace co-founder and Director, Andy Edwards, spoke alongside Bex Trevalyan, co founder of Platform Places, Juliet Can from Stour Trust and Kathryn Chiswell Jones from Art Space UK, for a thought-provoking discussion on ‘Unlocking space: ‘meanwhile use’ to community ownership.’ This event brought together change-makers committed to reshaping social infrastructure across the UK. Read all about it here.

Day 7: Arts Intervention Workshops

With support from the Caldecott Community Grant, the South Abingdon Arts & Culture Project hosted a series of free, intergenerational art workshops over Easter, fostering creativity and connection. The sessions provided a safe space for participants of all abilities to explore their artistic side and build community through shared creativity. Find out more here.

Day 8: New Resident Portal Launch

This year, we developed the Makespace Resident Portal with support from the Deloitte Digital Connect programme. This new digital ecosystem connects the 100+ purpose-driven organisations across our spaces. Currently available exclusively to our residents, we can’t wait to share this fantastic resource with the public in the new year. Watch this space!

Day 9: George Street Redevelopment

A major milestone came in October with the approval of plans for the redevelopment of 38-40 George Street. This inclusive, accessible hub will become a long-term civic space for Oxford, fostering connection, creativity, and collaboration. We’re excited to host ongoing workshops and events in the new year to help shape this vision. Read more here.

Day 10: Open Doors 365

Inspired by the Open Doors Weekend, we explored what it would mean for Oxford’s spaces to be accessible year-round. Through a workshop and panel event, we envisioned a city where resources and spaces are open, inclusive, and sustainable for all. Read all about Open Doors 365 here.

Day 11: South Abingdon Arts & Culture Project

Since launching in March 2023, this project has hosted over 80 workshops and welcomed over 1,600 participants. From mentoring local artists to creating public artworks, the project celebrates South Abingdon’s heritage while building connections and pride in place. Check out the new Arts & Nature Trail Map showcasing the incredible works developed this year.

As we draw to the end of the project we wanted to celebrate the activities and outcomes from the past 18 months, and share our next steps. Read all about it on the blog.

Day 12: Our Residents

Our residents are the heart of Makespace. Over 100 purpose-driven individuals and organisations bring passion, creativity, and resilience to our spaces. From social enterprises to artists and activists, they embody the spirit of community impact and inspire us every day.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Makespace Oxford’s incredible year. Here’s to continuing our mission of making space for community, creativity, and change in 2025!