Group 07 HART HAT CAFE (Posted 12 May 2026 17:36) – MSA LIVE 26

Cultural Engagement: Site Visit (Snack-Based Community Research)

Two of the team drove down to Pendle (in Rahat’s 4 Series, because fieldwork can apparently be done in style) to visit the Pendle Rise Shopping Centre area in Nelson. They met Saj from 3B Systems, a previous collaborator with This Is Nelson, and spent time walking the site and surrounding streets to get a real sense of the place beyond maps and screenshots. Being there helped sharpen what the project is actually responding to, and gave a clearer feel for the town centre atmosphere and the community priorities on the ground.

They also took time to look closely at local businesses and the everyday economy around the site, which opened up useful conversations about how the project could support existing independent activity rather than landing as a standalone pop-up. Rahat fully leaned into “cultural engagement” by briefly popping behind the counter at a sweets shop, which was both a hysterical moment and a direct way of thinking about local business models, community interactions, and what makes a small, approachable setup work.

They brought back local sweets and treats, and we all had a taste of the place in the most literal way. What was unexpectedly useful was the packaging itself - the patterns on the bag felt like a small piece of local identity, and we started talking about how that kind of everyday ornament and graphic language can be translated into the cafe’s panels and signage. It’s a small gesture, but it helps keep the project rooted in the culture it’s meant to serve.

Posted 12 May 2026 17:36

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