COLLECTIVE LOVE

This project started as an exploration of the notion of collective care during the first months of the pandemic and evolved as an observation of community response to the food insecurity highlighted by Covid-19. Growing as an act of caring for ourselves and the ones around us.

In the most unlikely of places, sitting behind the busy North Circular Road in the deprived London borough of Brent, a group of neighbours at St Raphael’s state echoed what was happening in other areas across the UK.

When London went into lockdown, community garden manager Jim Sheeran decided it was time to expand St Raphael’s Edible Garden beyond its borders. He provided the raw materials -raised beds, soil and seeds- & 20 residents with absolutely no previous interest became enthusiastic gardeners & transformed long neglected backyards into flourishing vegetable patches.

What started as a mere pastime for these residents developed into a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. A form of resilience that could provide an alternative to the current food system.