Perception AREA

Perception AREA is a model of public consultation and engagement, run by creative teams, devising non-confrontational situations to capture the perceptions of targeted individuals and groups about specific public realm issues. The creative teams can include artists with public engagement practices, designers, architects and environmentalists.

The Perception AREA process recognises how every member of the community is a vital stakeholder and participant in the democratic decision-making process. Developed in partnership with the client and their partners, Perception AREA clearly defines the objectives, budgets and local resources to provide valuable qualitative information which enhances traditional consultation methods and results. The process offers value for money as it captures information at an early stage - saving time and resources and avoiding community consultation fatigue. 

Perception AREA has been developed by Haring Woods Associates, a creative and strategic consultancy working to influence change in the public realm through arts and culture. 

Green Heart Partnership has commissioned Perception AREA projects across the county of Hertfordshire to capture perceptions of the community about a particular site or issue over a specific, and usually extended, period of time.

Perception AREA builds upon a successful record of local authorities using artists to engage and consult with communities, but develops and refines the methodology into a focused and innovative consultation tool that directly addresses the client’s specific aims and objectives. It does not replace existing models of consultation but works alongside them, helping to identify ‘commonality’ between disparate, and at times fragmented, strands of the community, through a non-confrontational approach.

Perception AREA projects have secured match funding towards future projects and have helped generate substantial partnership funding from regional agencies. The effectiveness of the approach has led to Perception AREA being presented as a model of best practice across the UK and abroad. 

To find out more about Perception AREA projects in Hertfordshire through Green Heart Partnership, read the following case studies.

Underneath the Arches

EN10

It's All Going on at Sele Farm

South Oxhey Library

Stevenage Town Centre Gardens

“Consulting and engaging with hard to reach communities is vitally important work for local authorities. Perception AREA can provide a creative and tailor made approach to this challenging work which has enthused and inspired hundreds of people in local communities across Hertfordshire to make their views known and get involved with local projects and initiatives”

Chris Hope, Head of Leisure, Three Rivers District Council, Hertfordshire                        
Chair, Green Heart Partnership

For further information please see www.haringwoods.com