Festival of Making – Doncaster
From 26th of May to 1st of June 2025, Doncaster held their Festival of Making in collaboration with Right up our Streat: A community arts project funded by Arts Council England based in Doncaster.
Over the course of the week, they held workshops to construct and build cardboard component to recreate a scale version of the façade of the Corn Exchange.
Olivier Grossetête
“he is trying to reverse, at least symbolically, the power balance, which links us to the world… therefore questioning the value of our exchanges and our belongings.” – Olivier Grossetête’s website biography
Olivier Grossetête is the lead artist working on the project, which is a part of a series of Monumental Constructions. While originating from France, Grossetête works on various projects like this around the world. His art beckons people to ask how we value our interactions and connections, using creative ways to explore aspects of society and the world around us.
Architecture is Community
What was interesting about the project was that the community had a part to play in all stages. From construction to its dismantlement, which is what I find intriguing.
To build a structure by hand and with just regular members of the public is commendable work, showcasing what community and comradery can do. To then have the same group assist in the destruction of the structure sounds poignant, but works in goals of the project and Grossetête’s work.
Once constructed, the cardboard façade becomes a testament of the strength in numbers, community. By extension it becomes a symbol, a physical manifestation of a collective will.
Once constructed, the cardboard façade becomes a testament of the strength in numbers, community. By extension it becomes a symbol, a physical manifestation of a collective will.
For this symbol to be dismantled by the same force that brought it into existence creates a poetic connection with community and architecture. What I interpret from this methodology of project is that community has the will to build, dismantle and reshape anything for purpose. And by doing so, the very same community can teach each other important lessons and skills: Team work, resilience, sustainable practices, communication, accountability and to be able to move on. Many things can be learnt through this project and how it benefits community as a teaching device. One of many things I would want to bring forward into my design business practice.
Doncaster Festival of Making — Right Up Our Street