‘Desire Paths’ Limited Edition Publication by Turf Projects

How do spaces end up empty? How can we bring them back into use?

How can people be more actively involved in these processes, why aren’t they?

How does rapid change & regeneration impact our sense of wellbeing, stability, belonging & collective memory? 

How can Croydon forge its own path in determining how spaces and places are used?

An artist-led charity founded by Croydon locals in 2013, Turf was set up to provide opportunities & space for creatives locally. Operating in ex-retail spaces in Croydon with an uncertain future due to as-yet-unrealised urban development, they frequently found themselves asking questions about who has power over space in Croydon, which acted as a starting point for their project Desire Paths.

As Turf’s flagship project for This is Croydon (London Borough of Culture 2023), Desire Paths was a key part of the charity's year exploring the theme ‘DEMYSTIFICATION’. Nine locally connected artists and groups were commissioned by Turf to create new work with a focus on disused and underused spaces around Croydon.

This project culminated in the 'Desire Paths' zine, a 64-page book featuring projects by Betty Owoo, Sam Wills & Lira Valencia, Diana Phiri-Witty, Georgeenia Ariaratnam, Hoagy Houghton, Lina Ivanova, and Phoebe & Roger Wagner, art-directed by Georgina Johnson, published by The Laundry arts, and risograph printed by Well Projects.

The publication comes with a commemorative poster sleeve and is thread sewn bound with effervescent foiling.

Paperback