Image credit: Lead Host Danni Ebanks-Ingram converses with a guest. Photographer: Hannah Davis

In a world increasingly marked by division and intolerance, spaces that foster understanding and genuine human connection are more essential than ever. World Kiosk, which transforms unconventional spaces into temporary public squares, was born out of this need. These pop-up spaces have become vital platforms for public conversation, allowing diverse voices to be heard and communities to share their stories, hopes and fears.

At the heart of World Kiosk is a simple yet profound idea: to create places where people can gather, converse and listen. These temporary public squares, often set in local communities, provide a unique opportunity for people to share their experiences and perspectives. Over time, we have built a rich archive of stories that capture the essence of the communities we visit, documenting their evolving ethics and values.


Image credit: A temporary public square is created in Orchard Village, Rainham, Havering. Photographer: David Shearing

Public squares have always been essential to communal life, serving as places where ideas are exchanged and contested. Today, where intolerance often stifles dialogue, these spaces are more important than ever. They offer a physical and symbolic arena for public conversation—a place where different perspectives can be shared and understood, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

The stories gathered through World Kiosk reveal the complex interplay between personal identity, place and community. For example, David from Norwich spoke of his "personal restlessness"—a drive to seek new opportunities. Nirmal, who moved to East London in 1964, shared her journey of becoming the first female employee in a male-dominated workplace and the kindness she encountered in her new community. Pat talked about being displaced to Dominica as a child and how it shaped her sense of place and belonging. Resisting the urge to make sweeping judgements about other people, our form of critical placemaking is about listening to these individual stories and understanding the deep-rooted narratives they reveal.


Image credit: Headphones, tea, newspaper and menu on display. Photographer: Hannah Davis

These narratives highlight the transient nature of home and place, often defined by arrivals and departures rather than static locations. In a time of rising intolerance, acknowledging these shared experiences can help us build a deeper understanding of one another. Listening to stories—whether about migration, adaptation, or finding one’s place in the world—can foster empathy and create a more inclusive public discourse. For instance, Martin's simple "open door" policy with his neighbours shows how small gestures can make a big difference in connecting with others.

Our journey with World Kiosk has underscored the power of placemaking—the intentional creation of public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being. In Havering, our involvement with the Creative People and Places project, Havering Changing, inspired a local reimagining of how new street furniture might bring people together in an otherwise unused public square. At the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, local hosts learned how to facilitate inclusive public conversations, demonstrating the potential for small, intentional changes to create a more connected community.

In each location, we have seen the subtle yet profound impact that creating these spaces can have. Our upcoming location in East London, where we've connected with a residents group at Hamara Ghar as part of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, ensures that local voices and hosts are reflected in the project.
 

Image credit: Lead Host Danni Ebanks-Ingram converses with a guest. Photographer: Hannah Davis

As we continue our journey with World Kiosk, our hope is not only to capture the essence of place but also to help create it. By fostering public conversation and understanding, we can reshape the spaces we inhabit. We hope to inspire other communities, housing associations, and local governments to better use public space to build connections. In a rapidly changing world, it is often the small, intentional acts of connection that have the most lasting impact.

World Kiosk will be presented as part of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, from 29 Aug – 1 Sept 2024 (12pm – 6pm daily) at Queen’s Square, Green Street, Newham. This is a free event, no booking required.

For more on World Kiosk and Variable Matter, visit variablematter.com