Farewell Stage 1, hello Stage 2!

We've loved being out and about in Blackwall Reach hearing from local people for Stage 1 of the Taxonomy of Joy project.

A big thank you to anyone who has stopped to talk to us at a pop-up or taken the time to join us for a workshop. So far:

• We've spoken to 112 people at 7 pop-ups and events.

• Flyers were sent to every household on site.

• 230 pieces of feedback have been collected.

• We've had 253 visitors to the website to-date.

All the valuable feedback received during Stage 1 helped us to identify a few key things that will be valuable in collaborating with the community to create permanent artworks for everyone to enjoy in the Millennium Green. 

During the first three pop-ups we asked residents what brought them joy in relation to the five senses. We found that the consistent elements mentioned were related to food, togetherness and nature. For example, sharing a meal together, green open spaces, being outdoors and furthermore, spending time with loved ones. 

Then we tried something a little different. We invited two talented London based illustrators called Shana and Will to act as 'visual scribes' and bring people's memories to life at two pop-ups, by illustrating the memories as people described them. Eid celebrations, a newborn baby brother and a trip to the seaside looking for eye-catching rocks were among the 30 beautiful memories local people shared with us. The key elements that emerged from these sessions were celebration and discovery.

During our workshop with parents of students at Woolmore Primary School, we decided to explore people's happy memories and hopes with them in more depth. For some it was just for fun, for others it was a welcome moment of reflection. Recurring things mentions were healthy environments, discovery and happiness. 

After carefully bringing together all the pieces of feedback, we’ve came up with three final themes: Discovery, Community and Playfulness. 

Discovery: A common theme that came through the feedback was discovery. Trying something for the first time, learning something new or uncovering something exciting. 

With this theme, we are exploring options around a treasure hunt or trail. We want to encourage new discovery at the Millennium Green. 

Community: We received a huge amount of feedback on the theme of community. Whether that’s family, friends or neighbours, joy is so often communal.

We want to strengthen the sense of community and togetherness in Blackwall Reach by bringing people together. With the dinner table being such an important place for many, we are exploring the option of an al fresco banquet on the Millennium Green in Stage 2.

Playfulness: No matter what the age, play was mentioned often as a source of joy for Blackwall Reach’s residents. From playing games to music, we want to inject playfulness of varying forms into plans for Millennium Green.

Next steps

Those were a couple of clues about will be some of the exciting activities you can expect in Stage 2. Any of the insights and reflections you share are helping to influence the longer-term plans to develop meaningful public artworks for the Millennium Green.

We want to hear from you to ensure we deliver something meaningful for the Millennium Green. If you haven't had a chance to take part in one of our in-person activities, you can fill out this online form.

We can't wait to trial the ideas that have come out of our conversations with you in Stage 2 - see you in a few weeks!