This is an archived entry from 2022.
Join artist Annette Krauss and collaborators for two events on Wednesday 1 June, 5.30pm, and Thursday 2 June, 2.30pm, to gather around and discuss common good sites in Edinburgh.
The common good is a specific form of collective property unique to Scotland comprising buildings, parks, structures, objects, and monuments gifted to the people of a specific area, in this case Edinburgh. Categorised as ‘common good’, these items are today managed by local councils and their partners for the good of the people. In the face of increasing commercialisation and privatisation of public space in our cities, common good items can be activated collectively and are opportunities for public agency.
No prior knowledge of the common good is necessary to take part in the walks. We welcome you to reflect and think aloud with a small group, exploring two routes in central Edinburgh and a variety of sites, spaces and objects held in the common good or today privatised.
Together we will unpack and learn about this ‘quirk’ of public ownership – the contradictions and potentials revolving around specific common good sites, re-imagining forms of custodianship, maintenance, and community use.
We will use simple strategies for sharing ideas with prompts from collaborators, including writer and researcher Emma Balkind, former Director of Collective Kate Gray, former Cultural Venues Manager at City of Edinburgh Council Frank Little, and producer, artist and researcher Simon Yuill.
Walk 1: Wellheads, Water and the Commons
Wednesday 1 June, 5.30pm
Free, book in advance
Meet at the Netherbow Wellhead (also known as John Knox’s House Well and Fountain Well), 45/1 High Street at 5.15pm.
The estimated event time is 2-hours, with a walking distance of approximately 0.5 miles, mostly uphill.
The event will end outside the Writers’ Museum, housed in Lady Stair’s House at the Lawnmarket on the Royal Mile.
Walk 2: On Disappearing and Reappearing Common Good Items
Thursday 2 June, 2.30pm
The walks are free to attend. You can attend one or both walks. Capacity is limited, please book in advance via Eventbrite. A waiting list will be available to join once the events are fully booked.
Both walks are outside, so please check the forecast, dress accordingly and wear comfortable footwear.
If you need support to attend these events or have any questions around access, please get in touch with us (via [email protected]).