Kindred LCR’s latest initiative, IDEAS WORK, is encouraging young people to reshape their understanding of work and the social economy. IDEAS WORK offers a platform for those aged 5 to 24+ to explore, develop, and challenge ideas. In a new space at 22 Jordan Street, they’ll host workshops and events aimed at asking critical questions about the nature of work and the journey from idea to action.

Occupy: A space for experimentation and collaboration

At the heart of the IDEAS WORK initiative is Occupy, a project that invites young adults to take over a creative space in the Baltic Triangle. Occupy provides a four-week residency where participants can experiment with ideas, test concepts, find collaborators, and make mistakes in a supportive environment. The goal is to encourage freedom of thought and action without the pressure to succeed.

Occupy participants are encouraged to think beyond conventional definitions of work and explore how creativity, collaboration, and social impact can intertwine. The project’s name takes its inspiration from the original Occupy movement, a precursor to today’s Extinction Rebellion. IDEAS WORK redefines, reshapes, and opens up the concept of work to a wider, more inclusive audience.

Building ideas with cardboard boxes and creative freedom

One of the most unique aspects of IDEAS WORK is its symbolic use of cardboard boxes. These boxes, often seen as waste, serve as a metaphor for transformation and innovation. Throughout the programme, participants use them to occupy spaces, transforming them for their projects. This metaphor reflects the goal of taking something ordinary and turning it into a vessel for ideas and social change.

In Studio C at 22 Jordan Street, the young occupiers have taken residence for the entire month of September. This space will showcase new ideas that hold social value, fostering an inclusive environment for conversations, creativity, and collaboration. And, throughout the month, the space will host events, workshops, and pop-ups.

Planned events

Scheduled for September is a series of exciting events, each offering a unique take on creativity and community.

Healing Feeling, led by artist Emilie Slade, offers free art classes every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month. These classes evoke emotion and promote healing through creativity. Slade’s workshops give participants the chance to explore the therapeutic aspects of art. The works will contribute to a public exhibition in the Baltic Triangle at the end of the month. This will be a powerful culmination of personal expression and shared experiences, highlighting the value of art in emotional wellbeing.

Another creative twist comes from Cowboy Her, who takes over 22C every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11am to 3pm. Cowboy Her offers a mix of haircuts and conversation – challenging traditional notions of work by transforming something as routine as a haircut into a community-building exercise. This pop-up is about creating a space for relaxation and connection, while rethinking what work means in a modern context.

For younger participants, Little Writers offers an incredible opportunity to flip the script. Led by artist Karema, this workshop series invites kids under 14 to write and illustrate a book for adults. This playful and powerful workshop gives children the chance to express themselves creatively and make their voices heard. Over the course of three workshops, the kids craft stories for a live reading at the end of the month.

A closing celebration of ideas

By the end of September, the pop-up space will have successfully hosted a variety of workshops, talks, and gigs. These events are open to the public and designed to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that participants from all walks of life can engage with the space.

Kindred LCR’s vision for IDEAS WORK and Occupy has been to create a safe, open space where failure is not only accepted but encouraged – allowing young people to truly explore their ideas without the burden of perfectionism or performance. This month-long occupation of a Baltic Creative space is only the beginning of what will be a growing conversation.

Follow IDEAS WORK on social media at @ideas.work_ to stay updated on the latest happenings and discover how you can get involved!