A project to comprehensively map Stoke-on-Trent’s current and historical food hotspots is underway – and businesses have a vital say in shaping it.
The initiative being carried out by FEASTED is centred around food – past, present and future – with the aim of contributing to the local visitor and tourist economy as well as championing local people and places involved in the sector.
It involves producing a food-themed walking overlay of the Living Heritage City Map and trail created by illustrator and author Kidda Kinsey last year, which can be found on the Visit Stoke site.
The new City Seeds Map, which is being funded by the Arts Council England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Stoke-on-Trent City Council, will feature local restaurants and other food businesses, allotments, food producers, community organisations and many more.
Now, the team at FEASTED are encouraging businesses and individuals to come forward with their ideas to help them curate what should be included on the map.
A series of events are taking place throughout the rest of August to give people a voice and share their thoughts – while sitting down to share food together at FEASTED’s restaurant at the Acava Studios, Spode, Stoke.
Photo: Chris Peach/i-creation.
Rachel Colerick, FEASTED’s Educational Lead, said: “We’re trying to make it as diverse as possible and reach different groups in the community, we want to build it on personal stories, experiences and visions. That’s why it is so important people get in touch.”
The physical map will be created and illustrated by Alex Norcop, FEASTED’s Head Chef, during the early Autumn and work will then also take place to produce a digital version. The project should be ready to roll out to the public by Spring 2025.
FEASTED’s Cris Cohen added: “Mapping has an important part of identity and proof that something is emerging.
“This city seeds map will do that. In collaboration with Stoke on Trent City Council we look are looking to set about defining what food can mean to our future.
“Food is community. It is celebration, it is an experience and its many surrounding contexts is super relevant to our city’s success.”
The next free community event is taking place on Thursday 22 August between 6pm-8pm and can be booked here. Alternatively, businesses that would like to be involved can email [email protected].
