Makespace is thrilled to announce its first ever long-term space in Oxfordshire. We can’t wait to co-create a space for the community, on the ground floor of the redevelopment project at the current Odeon site, 38-40 George Street, facing onto Gloucester Green. We want to offer a flexible, multi-purpose, accessible and affordable space for local community groups […]
Blog
Celebrating 5 years of Makespace Oxford & Aristotle Lane
On Saturday 16th September Makespace residents, collaborators, neighbours and our team gathered to celebrate 5 years at Aristotle Lane. In the summer of 2018 Makespace and its founding partners flung open the doors of the building formerly known as Aristotle House, bringing it back to life after being empty for 4 years. We began with a two-year […]
(Re)making our commitment to Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in 2023 and beyond
Today we share Makespace Oxford’s renewed commitment to the interwoven threads of Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, EED&I. You can read our commitments in full here. This work is evolving, incremental and ongoing, shared here to signal our intent and ensure accountability for the change we strive to create. From meanwhile to seven generations Makespace is a [...]
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Empowering Voices: Rana Ibrahim and the Iraqi Women Art and War Project – A Tribute to Refugee Week
In commemoration of Refugee Week, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary journey and impactful work of Rana Ibrahim, a resident of Makespace Oxford, as she spearheads the Iraqi Women Art and War project. Rana’s story resonates with resilience, creativity, and the strength of refugee individuals, making a significant mark on society. Today, we delve into Rana’s […]
Project Spotlight: Makespace Oxford
Andy Edwards in conversation with Georgina Bowman illustration by Anamaria Sabino Makespace Oxford is a non-profit community organisation with the aim of unlocking vacant or underused spaces that are revitalised for use on a “meanwhile” basis. Set up in 2015 as a CIC, Makespace is the result of years of collaboration with local community actors, having observed […]
RELEASE: Makespace Oxford reanimates derelict day centre into a thriving community hub in the heart of Wantage
We’re proud to announce the transformation and opening of a previously derelict day-centre into an affordable, accessible space for local artists, entrepreneurs and community groups wanting to connect and flourish in the centre of Wantage. The recently renovated building, named ‘The Old Stables’ in reference to its historic location, was re-opened in December 2022 by Makespace Oxford, as […]
What can agroecology teach us about the way we design our cities, organisations and empty spaces?
Sowing seeds for disruption and stewardship in the year ahead. You can also read this blog at Medium.com For anyone wanting to visit Oxford at the start of the year, there is no more delicious antidote to the hyper consumerism of the January Sales than a visit to the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC). On the 5th […]
Equitable Recruitment (Under Construction)
By Andy Edwards, Executive Director & Co-founder of Makespace Oxford The business of making space in our towns and cities genuinely accessible to all is complex. We are attempting to disrupt a deeply entrenched system in an incremental, pragmatic and positive way now. At the same time we are also daring to dream into an emergent future […]
RELEASE: First phase of meanwhile space programme draws to a close with 24 buildings reopened, 37 organisations in affordable space, and 100 jobs supported
Monday 26 September 2022 – This month marks the end of the first stage of a council-led economic regeneration scheme, delivered by social enterprise Makespace Oxford, that has been reviving underused spaces across Oxfordshire’s five district councils. The programme, called ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’, launched in February of 2021 with the goal of reanimating the vast number of […]
RELEASE: Portraits of Makespace Oxford Residents to Feature in Modern Art Oxford Exhibition exploring Urban Design and Creativity
A new exhibition opening at Modern Art Oxford will feature a series of portraits of individuals and organisations that are occupying underused spaces that have been revived, repurposed and reanimated by local Community Interest Company Makespace Oxford.