ARC collective: in our hands

Arc Collective is a grassroots community space in Islington shaped by the local neighbourhood and built by local people, for the benefit of all. Designed with generosity at its core, ARC brings people together, offering connection and a chance to belong, right on their doorstep.

We offer yoga and movement, arts, events, socials, live music, and a vibrant community café which functions as a warm space in the colder months.

Alongside our appealing programme of classes and events, we run our own foodbank and are custodians of 5 community garden spaces, working in partnership with Islington Parks Service, for local people to enjoy.

Our aim is to create an environment that supports people to make positive shifts in their lives, encouraging  them to live healthy, balanced, creative, connected, and happier lives.  

This project was created with members of the ARC community – local Islington residents, from those who are clients of the foodbank, to coffee shop regulars, to staff, to volunteers, to hear them express their thoughts about community strength.

The audio excerpts are illustrated by the hands that built, and continue to build, the ARC community, week in and week out. In the community’s own words, this film tells the story of strength in collective rest, collective action, collective movement, cooperation and solidarity.  

Through facilitating community members to reflect on the strength of the community, this project follows the notion that only the community itself can begin to sense what brings about community strength. Ultimately it is quite hard to put a finger on.

To tell the strength of the community is as much about trying to describe a feeling - the sense that you are safe and cared for, you can trust those around you and you are accepted and celebrated for being yourself.