Meet the Neighbours is a cross-artform project, spanning almost 3 years, inviting artists to live side-by-side with members of the public in specific neighbourhoods in 5 cities across Europe and North Africa. New artworks are produced in response to changing urban environments and the people who live there.

The project takes place in: Béthune, Lillers & Bruay-la-Bussiere (FR), Groningen (NL), Lublin (PL), Manchester (UK) & Marrakech (MA).

Meet the Neighbours involves 32 artists in 24 residencies in local domestic contexts, with artist exchange occurring across all 5 partners. It addresses questions around changes in city environments, comparing 5 different yet relatable urban conditions:  

• How are cities changing shape and what is the role of artists in the process?
• How can artists have a progressive and critical voice in relation to urban regeneration & development?
• How is access to cultural provision affected by the presence of artists in neighbourhoods?
• How can artists create space and relationships where conversations and action might occur?
• How does mobility of artists relate to migration and mobility of people in a changing Europe?
• How can working with neighbouring countries develop artist mobility in Europe and beyond?

Meet the Neighbours creates a platform for the mobility of artists whose practice engages directly with civic life. Work will be shared through public encounters, performances, exhibitions, participation and publications, both analogue & digital. The temporary home for artists in each city will act as a creative locus for the project.

Artistic research will be shared digitally, through exhibition and publication, building an enduring sustainable platform for work. Theoretical research, coordinated by University of Manchester, will help ensure that legacies of learning can be distributed widely.  Meet the Neighbours will also curate live encounters with research via Performative Symposia and online platforms.

Image: Courtesy of Quarantine / Ali Taptik