Friday 17 July 2026 was never intended to be just a big launch event. It was a demonstration of what can happen when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared belief that creativity can strengthen communities and shape better places. Throughout the day, Salisbury Guildhall became a space for conversation, challenge, collaboration and action. Artists, architects, businesses, educators, community leaders, young people and local organisations got ready to launch around one simple idea – People Shape Spaces..
From IGNITE to See Space Differently
The launch of See Space Differently CIC last week was more than the start of a new organisation. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, a change, a spark of belief that transformation was possible, that art and architecture and shared conversations could make a difference, the seeds of a creative and professional placemaking agency committed to helping individuals, communities, businesses and public organisations unlock the potential of the places they care about.
See Space Differently is developing a new model for place-making, where engagement leads to delivery and action. Your support will allow us to test, evidence and share this approach so that more places can unlock their potential. If you believe in what we’re building, please consider supporting our latest Crowdfunder. Each contribution makes a difference and draws us closer to igniting in change.
Five years ago, IGNITE began with a simple question. What happens when you remove barriers between professions and bring people together with curiosity. The answer surprised us. Ideas became collaborations. Conversations became friendships. Projects emerged. Most importantly, people discovered that they had something in common and something valuable to contribute. Over time, one thing became clear.
Communities don’t lack creativity.
They lack opportunities to connect, collaborate and make a difference.
Last Friday offered that pause, that space. Throughout the afternoon, the Guildhall became a showcase of ideas in action. The Shape & Shift workshop introduced everyone to our working and by asking attendess to take part the message was that everyone has a role in shaping the future of their community. A clear transition for me to we.
If you joined us on Friday, we’d love to hear your reflections. Make a note on socials #SeeSpaceDifferently and share your thoughts.
- What inspired you?
- Which conversations stayed with you?
- Where do you see opportunities to make a difference?
Rachel Anderson MBE challenged the audience to think differently about leadership, courage and inclusion, reminding us that going against the grain is sometimes necessary.
Victoria Charlton explored creativity as a practical tool for transformation, demonstrating how imagination can help solve real challenges facing communities and organisations.
Jamie Lingham (@CaddieJay) brought a different energy through spoken word, using performance to inspire reflection, emotion and connection.
Members of the IGNITE community shared stories of businesses launched, partnerships formed and confidence gained through five years of creative collaboration.
Reflecting on the changing role of architecture, Tim Scrace of Scrace Architects spoke about how our relationship with place has fundamentally evolved. Flexible working, independent businesses and the growing creative economy have changed how we use our towns. Yet many of our buildings and public spaces have not adapted to support these new ways of living and working. See Space Differently is here to challenge the norm and help.
Bringing Life to the Public Realm
As the afternoon turned into evening, Skateboarders and BMX riders transformed the Market Square into a place of creativity, movement and shared experience. For a few hours, the square became more than somewhere to pass through. It became somewhere people wanted to belong.
People stopped. Families gathered. Couples dwelt. Conversations continued.
A Big Thank You
Events like this are only possible because people choose to invest their time, talent and belief. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, spoke, performed, partnered and supported the launch. Special thanks to Rachel Anderson MBE, Victoria Charlton, Jamie Lingham (CaddieJay), Millie Woodrow, Lewis Plummer, Wade Digital, Brinqq, Victoria Carling, Tasmin Pinder, Jamie Pullen, Salisbury Guildhall, Salisbury City Council, SGS Heating & Electrical Ltd, Level Up, Smash Creative and Scrace Architects for helping make the day such a success. We are also grateful to @Salisbury_Portraits for beautifully capturing some great photos.
The challenge is no longer simply to design better places.
It is to create places where people can thrive.
In every town across every town there are talented people working in isolation, young people searching for creative pathways, organisations looking for fresh ideas and empty spaces waiting to be reimagined. Towns such as Folkestone, Bristol, Frome and Margate have demonstrated that creativity is not an optional extra. When supported by the right partnerships, spaces and leadership, it becomes a powerful driver of regeneration, economic growth and civic pride. When we create the right conditions, creativity becomes a catalyst for regeneration and enterprise
See Space Differently was created to provide the platform for these opportunities together. Our work focuses on three connected areas.
- Creative Consultancy helps councils, organisations, businesses and communities turn ideas into meaningful projects that create lasting social, cultural and economic value.
- The Knowledge Bank shares practical experience through podcasts, workshops and conversations, making creative thinking accessible to everyone.
- The Creative Network connects artists, designers, entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders, creating collaborations that strengthen both people and place.
What Happens Next?
The launch was the first step in our birth. See Space Differently now moves from vision to delivery. Our focus now is on establishing the creative base at 65 New Street, expanding the Knowledge Bank through podcasts and events, growing the Creative Network and delivering creative placemaking projects that help communities, organisations and businesses shape better places together.
- SUPPORT US Thank you for helping us see space differently. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/see-space-differently-cic-support
- JOIN US For more on See Space Differently visit the website and subscribe www.seespacedifferently.uk
- WORK WITH US To find out more about what we do call us on: 01722 658048, email us on info@seespacedifferently.co.uk or use the ‘contact us’ button.