A seemingly ordinary remark about identity and belonging prompts a reflection on prejudice in modern Britain. Stronger communities, meaningful dialogue and wider civic participation emerge as key ingredients for a more cohesive society. Mabel Encinas An acquaintance from my neighbourhood had had a recent operation, when my partner […]
In Focus
In Focus
Living in empty buildings: a global phenomenon of rebellion
The occupation of abandoned spaces in the UK has evolved within ambiguous legal frameworks, countercultural movements and housing needs. Its development reveals tensions between private property, collective creativity and access to housing. The Prisma’s memoirs. Juan Galbete Several years ago, a group from London-based arts organisation The Oubliette […]
Community in an age of individualism and self-interest
Modern culture increasingly rewards self-focus and personal autonomy. Against this backdrop meaningful relationships depend on openness, mutual trust and a genuine willingness to listen. Far from being a society of mature people, western culture encourages mass narcissism and infantilisation, in ever-increasing numbers. Nigel Pocock What is ‘community’? It […]
Looking at London
There are countless ways of looking at London and two new books narrow the focus by taking the idea of looking in more of a literal than a metaphorical sense: a cartographic approach, mapping the city through its boroughs; and a street-photography journey across the metropolis. Sean Sheehan […]
Identity and the visible and invisible borders of migration
Migration involves crossing physical, cultural and ideological borders that reshape migrant identity. States, societies and collective perceptions create symbolic barriers that affect recognition and integration. Migrants are living frontiers. To migrate is to carry with you frontiers inside your own identity. The borders which the migrant has to cross are […]
















