SURF Awards Winner:
Creative Regeneration

What is the aim of the project?

To make participatory cultural activities available to all by championing town centre regeneration.

What is the aim of the project?

To provide creative opportunities that allow people to fulfil their potential.

Where is it taking place?

Operating in Lochside, Dumfries, one of the top 3% most deprived areas in Scotland.

What has been achieved?

The project began eight years ago when members of the community took part in the Big Burns Supper community carnival. People enjoyed coming together with a common purpose and doing something creative. The community shared a deep frustration regarding the image of the area. Through a need for community action, the idea of LIFT D+G (Lochside Is Families Together) was born.

LIFT D+G now employs 10+ people, helps countless families, and empowers the community. Working holistically across food justice, health and wellbeing, employability, youth development, and placemaking. The team run groups, stage events, partner with local and national agencies, manage two community shops, and are delivering flagship creative placemaking projects, such as Nature And Nurture Area (NANA), Art Lab, and a DnD Creative Gaming Network. The work is now at the centre of a 25-year partner regeneration initiative.

Over the past year, in excess of 100 local people have participated consistently in creative projects, with hundreds more benefitting from occasional contact. Participants report feeling less isolated, have gained wider social networks, increased confidence and skills, and many are pursuing new career paths. NANA has educated people about growing and cooking, greatly improving diets and nutrition locally.

Wheatley Homes South donated a portacabin and lease to occupy, now known as the Art Cabin, and supported the fit-out of the space. It was quickly clear what a huge benefit it was for LIFT, and its work, to have a
clearly identifiable base within the community. Working with Dumfries and
Galloway Council, the Art Cabin was adopted within the local planning strategy as a ‘prototype HQ’ for LIFT, and funding was sourced from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to expand the cabin with a storage container.

The team are now working on plans for a permanent creative placemaking hub for Lochside, within the Lochside Regeneration Masterplan.

Who is running it?

Led by LIFT D+G with support from partners, including The Stove Network, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and Wheatley Homes South.

Why did the judging panel like it?

The judging panel felt that LIFT emerged as the winner due to its authentic, grassroots response to local need that centres creativity. Grown by local people, the project continues to evolve, addressing challenges and supporting health and wellbeing, creativity, skills development and community cohesion through community led initiatives. The level and depth of engagement was remarkable, providing diverse and person-centred opportunities for the whole community to get involved, contribute to and benefit from the project. Not only does the project benefit the lives of local people, but it is also transforming the space with a vibrant community hub and a thriving garden that provides nutritious food for residents. With no
agenda beyond improving local lives, LIFT’s work is genuinely life-changing, deeply rooted in place, and a model of creative regeneration in action.