Speaker: Jochen

About: Introduction

Welcome... This event is part of Deptford X. For the previous 2 years, James has held the Alternative Housing conferences; now, the follow up comes with a slightly different touch.

This event has been sponsored by Sanford Housing Co-operative and the Olan Trust.

The Social Economy: what is the issue about? [gives the definition from the website]. Personal experience: social economy finds it difficult to be visible in this society due to the freemarket economy; everything has its place: to work, designated areas for eating, socialising, busking (sponsored by Carlsberg). 20 years ago, in Germany, living in an urban environment, there were boot sales, neighbourhood street parties, Clean-your-neighbourhood days. In this current economy, any social activity must make a profit or breakeven or the state will chuck it out. Bonfire and guitar has been replaced by techno. These factors alienate us from social experiences.

Why do we need progress in Social economy? In New Cross area, the pub and squat scene has changed a lot. Now Pubs have a big TV screen and bouncer; one doesn't feel like just having a chat. There is a need [for this older, more relaxed scene]. Deptford No. 1 high street voted by Londoners recently (due to its thriving local business, market). Hales gallery tragedy: closed and replaced by a betting shop. In this society, we have the spaces (7000 empty buildings in UK); Problem of distributing these spaces; struggle for spaces, we must oppose existing structures. Speakers will show us how to achieve this.