Whale Arts

City: Edinburgh

Project: Community Kitchen Garden

Our project endeavours to transform the green space in front of the WHALE Arts Building into a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes well-being and community cohesion. Through the development of a Community Kitchen Garden and a series of community-driven initiatives, we aim to create a space where all residents feel valued, connected, and empowered to thrive. The Community Kitchen Garden, strategically designed to bridge our community café with our communal green space will be a focal point for community engagement and activity. Through co-design and collaborative community engagement, we will ensure this garden reflects the needs and desires of the stakeholders involved. This inclusive approach will ensure diverse needs are met, foster pride and belonging, and allow residents to take ownership. As well as providing a source of fresh herbs, fruits and berries for our community café, the Community Kitchen Garden aims to promote healthy eating habits and alleviate food poverty by providing opportunities for community members to engage in gardening activities and learn about sustainable food practices. Furthermore, our project seeks to promote integration by providing space for diverse cultural exchanges. By facilitating interactions between neighbours and different ethnic groups, we hope to celebrate diversity and foster understanding and empathy. By providing a welcoming space for organized and informal gatherings, we hope to strengthen bonds within the community and foster a sense of unity and belonging.