Makespace Oxfordshire has announced the launch of Common Futures, a free events programme designed to help shape the future use of the new civic space at 38-40 George Street.
Following the appointment of Makespace as the official operator for the site on a 40-year lease, Common Futures is set to mark the next stage of its public engagement — an open invitation to the community to co-create a vision for this space rooted in joy, creativity, learning, and connection.
It’s a chance to see how the George Street space might work and explore the kinds of programmes it will offer, building community ahead of its proposed 2027 opening date.
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The three themes chosen to be focused on in this year’s programme are based on the initial community engagement carried out last year (Spring 2024). They are;
- Regenerative Futures
- Stories Of Place
- City Changemakers
It is hoped that members of the public will see the programme as a series of transformational, interactive, community-led events about imagining possible positive futures in the city. A ‘common future’ exploring topics related to the past, present, and future of the city; a programme that helps to meet the big challenges of the times, from the ecological crisis and loss of community connection to unaffordable property prices and growing inequality.
Makespace will host monthly events at different locations around Oxford, starting on Saturday, 14 June. Participants can expect a friendly, welcoming environment in which to connect with the city and fellow residents, learn and be inspired, and dream up possible futures.
All events are free to attend, and donations are welcome. A list of upcoming events is as follows;
Upcoming Events:
- Mapping memories of My Oxford: A zine-making session with Oxford Poetry Library – 14 June from 2.00pm to 5.00pm (Drop-in) at The Community Works, 21 Park End Street, Oxford
- Tales of the Thames: Uncovering stories with Arts & Citizen Science with Thames21 – 12 July from 12.30pm to 4.00pm at The Community Works, 21 Park End Street, Oxford
- Street detectorism: A place-based mapping experience with CoLab Dudley – 06, 12, 22 & 30 August from 10.00am to 3.00pm (Drop-in) at Gloucester Green Market
- Our city as commons: Reimagining public high streets as future green spaces with CAG Projects & Good Food Oxfordshire (as part of PARKing Day) – 19 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm (Drop-in) at Worcester Street Car Park
- How to build a community hub: An A to Z of social action with Annie Davy & Makena Lohr (Founders of Flos in the Park) – 09 October from 4.00pm to 7.00pm at The Community Works
- Time rebellion: Creating spaces for future generations with CAG Projects & Good Food Oxfordshire (as part of PARKing Day) – 21 November from 3.00pm to 5
- 30pm at BIPC, Westgate Library
As Makespace prepares to shape this new space with and for the people of Oxford, this event series will offer a moment to come together and imagine what’s possible.
Makespace also invites any community groups or organisations who would like to collaborate on a future event to get in touch.
