Bridging Cultural Gaps The Transformative Potential of Art in Place with Shiro Muchiri

Shiro Muchiri and Tom Larsson, Grow Places Podcast
The value of art in connecting people to place

Intro /

Celebrated art curator and interior architect Shiro Muchiri is on a mission to shake up the world of art commissioning, having long been fascinated by art’s potential in establishing compelling connections with people and place.
Shiro believes that when artworks have broad social and cultural relevance and tell compelling stories, they have the power to make strong connections with communities.

Shiro and Hanna Afolabi/Mood and Space launched Art in Architecture earlier this year, a pioneering new service which combines their passion of utilising art – as an engagement process, temporary or permanent installations – in making sure regeneration projects put people at the heart of their approach.
And in June, as part of London Festival of Architecture, Shiro hosted ‘Commonplace: the power of art in shaping places for people’, bringing together a panel including developers Related Argent, General Projects and Poplar HARCA and architects BGY, IF_DO and Jan Kattein Architects.
 
Chaired by city strategist Yasmin Jones-Henry, the discussion explored how communities can be strengthened during regeneration processes when art in architecture creates common ground. You can listen to the recording here or read selected quotes here.

Bridging Cultural Gaps The Transformative Potential of Art in Place with Shiro Muchiri